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)rayers and 
Thanksgivings 

FOR A CHRISTIAN YEAR 
ISAAC OGDEN RANKIN 



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PRAYERS 
AND THANKSGIVINGS 



PRAYERS 

AND 

THANKSGIVINGS 

for a Christian Year 



BY 
ISAAC OGDEN RANKIN 

VI 

Author of " Closet and Altar " 




THE PILGRIM PRESS 

BOSTON CHICAGO 



"P. 



Copyright 1918 
By FRANK M. SHELDON 



NOV i6i918 



THE PILGRIM PRESS 
BOSTON 



>CI.A508152 
^710 J, 



TO THE MEMORY 
OF 



FOREWORD 

Most of the Prayers and Thanksgivings contained 
in this book were written from time to time as need 
arose for the Devotional Column which, under the 
title Closet and Altar, has for many years been 
one of the departments of The Congregationalist 
and Christian World. With this column the author 
has been connected for more than twenty years as 
contributor or editor-in-charge. Some of these 
prayers have gone around the world and come back 
in British, South African, Indian and Australian 
publications. Some have been widely used in 
public worship. About fifty were included in 
" Closet and Altar," a book published by The 
Congregationalist in 1899, and long out of print. 
A selection for a single month appeared under the 
same title and is still on sale by The Pilgrim Press. 
From all these books and papers it seems time to 
call these wandering children home. 

From the two books just mentioned a majority 
of the prayers have been taken for republication, 
with such revision as a maturer taste demanded. 
The author's thanks are due to The Pilgrim Press 
for the use of copyrighted material. 

The book offers a prayer or thanksgiving for each 
day of the year, with additional prayers for morning 
and evening, for the Lord's Day, for special experi- 
ences of the Christian soul, for the movable feasts 
of the Church and other days of observance and 
remembrance, and for patriotic occasions and experi- 



viii FOREWORD 

ences. The author ventures to hope that it may 
prove suggestive and inspiring both for the life of 
the individual disciple and for pastors and church 
leaders in their work — a hope that is encouraged 
by much testimony accumulated in the course of 
periodical publication 

A selection of brief Scripture passages has been 
added for the enrichment of the book as a manual 
of private or family devotion. In using these selec- 
tions the reader is asked to remember the devotional 
purpose and not to expect a critical or historical 
study or order of choice. It would be well, if time 
permits to turn to the passage quoted and read, 
it in its context. The compiler has used the King 
James and the English Revisers' texts with substi- 
tution of preferred translations or modernizations, 
such as good tidings for gospel, lovingkindness, for 
mercy } steadfastness, for patience, who for which in 
speaking of persons and the like. Most condensa- 
tions are indicated. Thanks are due to the holders 
of the copyright of the American Revision for the 
use of some renderings, more especially from its 
margin. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

At the Day's Beginning, 1 
At Eventide, 3 
Prayers and Thanksgivings for a Chris- 
tian Year, 5 

Observances, Occasions and Experiences 

Observances, 281 

The Lord's Day, 1 and 2, 281 

The Lord's Table, 282 

The League of Intercession, 283 

The Dedication of a Church, 284 

For a Wedding, 284 

The Dedication of a House, 285 

The Home, 1 and 2, 286 

Table Prayers, 287 

National Prayer for the New Year, 289 

The Beginning of Lent, 289 

Little Prayers for Holy Week, 290 

Good Friday, 292 

Easter, 1 and 2, 292 

Children's Sunday, 294 

Pentecost, 294 

Independence Day, 295 

Thanksgiving, 1, 2 and 3, 296 

Forefathers' Day, 297 

Christmas, 1 and 2, 298 

In Illness, 299 

For Grace in Old Age, 300 
Public Meetings and Conventions, 1 and 2, 300 

For the President, 302 

In Time of War, 1 and 2, 302 

In Time of Change, 304 

Soldiers' Prayers, 305 



PRAYERS 
AND THANKSGIVINGS 



When the Day Begins 

It is of the Lord's lovingkindnesses that we are 
not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 
They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will 
I hope in him. — Lam. 3 : 22-2 %. 

God, whose mercy makes each morn a new 
beginning of opportunity and strength, so uphold 
and strengthen us in thine infinite compassion that 
we may serve thee this day in childlike love and 
glad obedience. If we have sinned and wake to 
consciousness with shame and contrition of heart, 
bring to our thought the sense of thy longsuffering 
pity and the promise of thy aid. Out of the wreck 
of larger hopes and forfeited occasions enable us to 
build our lives as a temple to thine honor. In the 
hour of temptation be thou our shield. In the 
uplifting of our joy be thou our deepest satisfaction. 
Teach us the lesson of self-forgetfulness that we 
may lose our gloomy fears in thoughts of thee and in 
happy service to others. So may our day be spent 
in quiet work and restful faith, to thine eternal 
glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



2 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing 
aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning. For 
thou hast been my high tower, and a refuge in the day 
of my distress. Unto thee, my strength, will I sing 
praises. — Psalm 59 : 16. 

We thank thee, Lord, for the new adventure of 
this dawning hour and the promise of thy favor until 
eventide. Help us to go forth with courage and 
rejoicing hearts to meet what thou this day shalt 
send or suffer to come upon us. Let the passing 
moment become the opportunity of thy Holy 
Spirit. And may we never fear to undergo what 
thou shalt choose for our enduring, or refuse what 
thou hast planned for our enjoyment. When 
we are overwhelmed, hold thou our hand and draw 
our souls out of the deep. When we are weary, 
bring us to thyself in refreshing love and give us 
thy gifts in sleep. So this and every day let new 
experiences deepen assurance of thy love and let 
our courage be renewed, that we may go with happy 
and courageous hearts to life's adventures and never 
lose our hold on thee. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for 
thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation 
also in the time of trouble. — Is. 83 : 2. 

God, our heavenly Father, who hast taken 
thought for us in the night watches, bless us also 
in the opportunities of this new day. Help us with 
willing hearts to spend its moments in thy service. 
In coming and in going, in labor and in rest, in care 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 3 

and pleasure grant us thy companionship for 
sympathy and aid. If thou hast sorrows for us to 
bear, pain to endure, losses to undergo, uphold us 
and enrich us even in these appointed trials. If 
thou hast joys to give us, if the end of labor in at- 
tainment is appointed for this day's crown, if 
cherished hopes are in thy mercy to be fulfilled, if 
pleasures come, let none of these things turn our 
hearts away from thee. If the day in its unvarying 
course brings no changes, through the still hours 
may the sunlight of thy presence glow. Help us 
to bear true witness in simplicity of heart, to find 
our joy in little things, to help men toward the 
Christ like life in kindly service and to cherish high 
ambitions of obedience to our Lord. So crown our 
days with strength and peace, God, through Jesus 
Christ, thy Son. Amen. 

At Eventide 

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: 
for it is toward evening and the day is far spent, 
And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to 
pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he 
took the bread and blessed it, and brake and gave to 
them. And their eyes were opened and they knew 
him. — Luke 24 : 29. 

Father in heaven, who in thy mercy hast provided 
rest for weary hearts, we thank thee for the ended 
day with its gracious opportunities and turn to 
thee for thoughts of love and peace as we go down 
into the shadowed vale of sleep. We bless thee for 
the repose of the spirit, free from worldly care, 
the memory of friends, and happy thoughts of those 



4 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

who are absent from the body but present to thy 
care and love. Keep us in peace through the 
hours of darkness, making a Sabbath-quiet in our 
hearts. Wake us to a new day of thy presence and 
thy help in living the true life of those whom thou 
hast called to be thy children. And may we see 
thy face in everlasting light through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



He shall cover thee with his pinions, and under his 
wings shalt thou take refuge. Thou shalt not be afraid 
for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth 
by day. — Psalm 91 : 4> 

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for 
thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. — Psalm 
4:8. , 

With the night shadows, Lord, our hearts return 
to thee. We have walked through unseen dangers, 
and thou hast preserved us. We have been tempted, 
and thou has shown us the way of escape. Pardon 
us, in thy lovingkindness, for the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Lord, that we have sinned against thee 
both by transgression and neglect, and help us with 
sincere repentance to forsake our sin. We bring 
our fears and perplexities, our doubts and cares, to 
leave them at thy mercy seat. Grant us to rest 
this night with quiet hearts through faith in thine 
abiding care. Remember all who are in need. 
Quicken thy church with life divine. Have all our 
dear ones in thy holy keeping, and grant them gifts 
according to thy love. And may the quiet of the 
evening and the sleep of night bring strength, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 5 

Return unto thy rest, my soul; for the Lord hath 
dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered 
my soul from death, mine eyes from tears and my feet 
from falling. — Psalm 116 : 7. 

Grant us thy peace, God, at eventide. As the 
night shadows grow about the earth let shadows 
of our loss and fear depart and leave our spirits face 
to face with thee in the sunlit rest of faith and calm 
repose. We would have no secrets from thy love, 
that reads all our desires and all our sins and griefs. 
Pardon and save and guide us evermore, and make 
our friends thy charge for Jesus' sake. Thou know- 
est us altogether and we rest content in thy just love 
and faithful care. Grant us with quiet hearts 
to sleep; with quickened trust, with joy that 
wakens with the dawn to praise, to work with thee, 
to share thy widening plan and make each day a 
foretaste of the grace heaven brings thy children. 
Hear us, through thy Son, and keep and bless us 
all our days. Amen. 

January 1 — For the New Year 

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to 
go out unto a place which he was to receive for an 
inheritance: and he went out, not knowing whither 
he went. — Heb. 11 : 8. 

Eternal God, in whom is the hope of all our years, 
remember us in thy mercy also in this new year of 
our Lord. Reveal thy glory in the experience of 
its joys and sorrows. Forestall its tears with the 
abiding comfort of thy presence. Make us strong 
rightly to measure all our gains and to endure with 



6 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

patience every loss thy love allows. Show us thy 
meaning in the gifts and opportunities of each new 
day. Assure us of thy help in labor, thy delight in 
our joys. Quicken our minds to clear vision and 
our hearts to cheerful content. Provide for our 
bodies such vigor as shall be needful for our allotted 
service on the earth. Come thou, as sharer of our 
home delights, companion of our friendships, the 
crown of all rejoicing, the hope of endurance, the 
pledge of overcoming. We leave to thee the mystery 
of the year's events, assured that thou wilt guide 
our way. Withhold from us all gifts which would 
prevent thy purpose for our growth in wisdom and 
in service. Only deny us not thyself — thy Spirit 
to instruct our hearts, thy work to share, thy peace 
to still our restlessness, thy presence to resolve our 
doubts. In the sifting of temptation grant that 
our faith fail not, and when our years are ended 
bring us to thyself, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

January 2 — The Manly Heart 

Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted , 
neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with 
thee whithersoever thou goest. — Josh. 1 : 9. 

Thou who hast made me a man, help me to offer 
for thy service the stronger and higher qualities 
of my soul. Let me not think that the wise God 
desires to be served by foolishness or that thou, 
who hast made the world and all things in it, and 
dost inform and sustain them by thy Spirit, lovest 
any darkness of ignorance or fearest to have thy 
children learn thy ways. Teach me how to bring 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 7 

to the affairs of thy kingdom the same good sense 
and study of proportion which I desire to use in 
other tasks and social relations. Let me be pure 
in heart, high-minded, just and generous. Keep me 
from every false, unkind and selfish way. Let my 
thoughts be without the mean dislikes of envy and 
my affection pure and constant. Set me free from 
all anxiety, but help me to be careful that thy name 
have no dishonor from my word or deed. So use 
my life for the glory of Christ and the upbuilding 
of his kingdom. Amen. 



January 3 — Venturing with God 

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will 
come ajter me, let him take up his cross and follow me. 
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and who- 
soever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. — 
Matt. 16 : 2!±. 

Thou who ever goest before thy flock like a 
wise shepherd, leading them in ways of peace and 
strength, help us with ready hearts to listen for thy 
voice and gladly follow thee. Let there be no linger, 
ing for love of sin, no doubt for lack of perfect vision- 
no resting in the happy places of the past, as if thy 
love had done its best and had no larger gift to offer. 
Teach us a wise forgetting of the things that are 
behind, that we may press on toward the goal. For 
we believe that in the way thou leadest light and 
truth and immortality are found. Forgive the folly 
of our oft-recurring fears, and quicken us to an un- 
faltering courage by the indwelling of the Holy 
Spirit. Amen. 



8 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

January 4 — Helping Others 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 
who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be 
able' to comfort them that are in any affliction, through 
the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of 
God.— 2 Cor. 1:3. 

Blessed be Thou, God, who hast comforted us 
in all our tribulation that we might comfort others. 
We praise thee that when we have been cast down 
thou hast lifted us up. May this experience of thy 
lovingkindness make us tender-hearted, quick to 
bring an understanding help to those in need, 
always hopeful and unselfish in our trials and disap- 
pointments. Help us to be patient with all weak- 
ness, not forgetting thy forbearance with our 
infirmities. So may thy light shine in our hearts 
and, shining through our lives, bear witness to thy 
thoughts of love toward men. Uphold us when 
we are in peril from the temptations of the world 
and the anger that rises so swiftly in our hearts and 
may we draw back from no experience that shall be 
needful for thy purpose in our lives. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

January 5 — A Restful Faith 

Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your 
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor 
yet for your body, what ye shall put on. . . . Behold 
the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do 
they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly 
Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value 
than they? — Matt. 6 : 25. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 9 

Give me, my Father, all that becometh a child of 
thine and especially the restful faith which lives 
without anxiety, the child's simplicity of love and 
willing obedience, quick readiness to learn the ways 
of my Father's house and a mind open to receive the 
wisdom of my Father's heart. Bring back my 
thoughts from the perplexities of living to the full 
assurance of thy love in Christ. Lead me from 
weakness on to strength. Teach me to overcome and 
how to grow by overcoming. Comfort me in grief 
and pain as one whom his mother comforteth. 
Provide all needful gifts for body and for soul. 
Let no sin have dominion over me, that I may never 
lose the joy and freedom of thy house. Help me 
to love as thou hast loved and to serve as Jesus 
served. And let thy presence be my joy and 
strength for evermore. Amen. 

January 6 — For the Nation 

And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, 
saying, Thus hath the Lord of Hosts spoken, saying, 
Execute true judgment, and show kindness and com- 
passion every man to his brother; and oppress not 
the widow, nor the fatherless, the sojourner, nor the 
poor; and let none of you devise evil against his 
brother in your heart. — Zech. 7 : 8. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Pattern and Teacher of all 
mutual love and human brotherhood, so fill thy 
Church with the pure spirit of thy grace that it 
may show to men the pattern of thy thought in 
common life. In all social relations let pride and 
covetousness be cast out and selfishness restrained. 
May our judges decide in righteousness, our legisla- 



10 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

tors deliberate in thy fear, our rulers execute the 
laws without respect of persons. Quicken the 
conscience of our citizens, that they may think and 
choose aright. In all business may honesty pre- 
vail. In all social meetings may the spirit of 
brotherhood control the thoughts of men. So 
purify our national life that more and more thy 
love may shine through it for the help of the world, 
and the problems of our dwelling together be solved 
by the guidance of thy Good Spirit. And to thee 
be praise for all progress and pure attainment, ever 
more! Amen. 

January 7 — Against Anger 

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor 
and railing, be put away from you, with all malice : 
and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving 
each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. — 
Eph. 4:31. 

Let not anger rule my heart, Thou Most- 
Merciful, lest in hate and barren strife I lose thought 
of thy presence and forget my call to fellow-service 
with my Lord and Helper, Jesus Christ. Let thy 
peace rule my spirit because I both forgive and am 
forgiven. Yet keep me, Lord, from weakness and 
indifference to cruelty and wrong and from all blind 
and selfish ease amid the sufferings of my brothers. 
Let me be patient because thou rulest, leaving all 
judgment to the Son of Man. Keep me especially 
from hoarded grudges, cherished anger or carefully 
remembered grounds of hate. Let me be stronger 
than my passion, more hopeful than my fear, more 
loving than my dislikes, that I may be conformed to 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 11 

Christ's image and help the coming of thy king- 
dom. So let me be numbered among the men of 
good will to whom thou sendest peace. Amen. 

January 8 — Heirs of God 

The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, 
that we are children of God: and if children, then 
heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; 
if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also 
glorified with him. — Rom. 8 : 16. 

Lord, most merciful, our Heavenly Father, we 
praise thee for thy good gifts and gracious promises, 
which are as lights upon the way of our immortal 
life. Assure our hearts in faith and love, that we 
may live as heirs of hopes and expectations founded 
on thy Word. We thank thee that thou hast re- 
served for us a share in the inheritance of thine own 
Son, our Lord and Brother. What thou dost yet 
keep in store, let us await in patience, knowing that 
thy promise cannot fail. Teach us, in times of 
want, to seek our comfort in the comforting of thy 
children and the fellowship of faith. Reveal thy 
presence in us, according to thy word, that we may 
be transformed through thy companionship into 
thine image. And may our unfailing, joyful 
confidence and expectation bear witness to thy 
power and love. Amen. 

January 9 — Expectant Faith 

Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no 
more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live 
also. In that day ye shall know that I am in my 



12 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath 
my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that 
loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my 
Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself 
unto him. — John H : 19. 

Thou Dayspring of all faithful and expectant 
hearts, Light of all hope and Home of faith and 
love, to thee we look for dawn amid the darkness of 
our fears and griefs. In thee would we find our 
joy and hope grow clear. Forbid it, Lord, that we, 
the children of the day, should rest content in dark- 
ness of transgression or lose in the experience of 
our present life the forward-looking faith which ever 
seeks for signs of thine appearing. Give us the 
faith that leads to faithfulness; the faithfulness 
which strengthens faith. Open our eyes to behold 
thy presence in common things and give us a peace 
of heart which shall make us more alert and ready 
to become thy witnesses and to carry on thy work. 
Blessed be Thou! our Expectation and our Strength! 
Thine are our gifts and of thy bounty we bring thee 
our thanksgiving in the name of Christ. Amen. 

January 10 — Strength for the Way 

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer 
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests 
be made known unto God. And the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding, shall guard your 
hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. — Phil. 
4:6. 

Thou who hast sent* us on our pilgrimage, well 
knowing that we must encounter trials and tempta- 
tions, abide with us that in the midst of our changes 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 13 

we may have stability and peace of heart. We 
thank thee that the weakness and unfaith are all in 
us and that thou changest not in love and power. 
When we are vexed and troubled, be thou our 
serenity of spirit and the rock of our safety and 
repose. We thank thee for guidance hitherto and 
for the assurance of thy promise for the remaining 
days. Thou Father of all loving hearts, who hast 
joy in the great brotherhood of earth and heaven 
which thou hast brought to pass, teach us to glory 
in that wide communion and to wait with patience 
for the revelation of thy purpose. And may we 
always live before thee in truth and righteousness, 
as becometh good followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



January 11 — Brotherly Living 

Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving 
as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not 
rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; bid 
contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, 
that ye should inherit a blessing. — 1 Pet. 3 : 8. 

Father of Lights, in whom there is no darkness, 
let the glory of thy presence shine in all our human 
meetings and relations till the brotherhood of men 
in thee becomes the ruling motive of our thought. 
Let us not despise the lowliest opportunity of service 
or neglect the humblest duty. Make us studious 
of courtesy, consideration and kindness in the com- 
mon business of our days. Purify our family life 
and make it joyful. Teach us to be honest, seeking 
in all sincerity to love our neighbor as ourself, 
fulfilling the duties of our citizenship in all faithful- 



14 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

ness, knowing that thou hast ordained the nation as 
a type and instrument of thine eternal kingdom. 
Keep us from scorn of others, from bigotry of in- 
herited opinions, from private and unreasonable 
prejudice, from idleness and despair. And let our 
hopes and our desires run forward to the fulfilment 
of thy purpose. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

January 12 — The Obedient Heart 

Hereby we know that we love the children of God, 
when we love God and do his commandments. For 
this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: 
and his commandments are not grievous. For what- 
soever is begotten of God overcometh the world; and 
this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our 
faith. — 1 John 5:2/ 

Lord, let thy purposes include, I beseech thee, my 
life and work, my joy and service. And to this end 
give me a loving and obedient heart that I may de- 
sire to know thy will and do it. Give me high 
thoughts of thee, Lord my Helper, wide thoughts 
of the purposes for which thou hast redeemed me 
and joyful thoughts of all experiences to which thy 
work may lead. For in thy companionship are 
peace and strength forevermore. Direct my steps 
aright, God, that I may do thy work in thine own 
way. And may even rebuffs and refusals become 
tokens of thy care, to be explained when I look back 
upon thy leading. When I need courage to endure, 
help me to think of thee. And in assurance of 
thine aid, help me to have confidence to go up 
against strongholds, even though giants dwell 
there. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 15 

January 13 — The Forward Look of Faith 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 
shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, 
or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all 
these things we are more than conquerors through him 
that loved us. — Rom. 8 : 35. 

We thank thee, Father, for that forward-looking 
faith which we have learned of Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Because thou hast loved us with an exceeding 
love revealed in him by life and death, make confi- 
dent our hearts that all things work together for 
our good. Help us to keep this faith when we are 
threatened with discouragement. Let it fix our 
thoughts upon the lasting peace and glory of com- 
panionship in work with thee. May sorrow yield 
to its assurance of things hoped for, its delight in 
love made known. Let all our days henceforth 
be good days, because thy love has wakened answer- 
ing love in us, deeper than all disappointments, 
higher than all gifts, purer than all hopes of gain 
and pleasure. Keep thou our feet from snares. 
Enrich our hearts through new experiences of Christ- 
like living. And bring us to the end of years on 
earth in loving service and in joyful gratitude. 
Amen. 

January 14 — Joy in God 

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my 
lips shall praise thee. So will I bless thee while I 
live; I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul 
shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness: and 
my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. — Psalm 
68 : 3, 



16 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou Source and Way and Goal of all perfection, 
Giver of life and its true joy and hope, be ever with 
me to crown my work in thine own time with thine 
own thought of good. I thank thee that thou art 
my aid in all perplexity, my ever-present help in 
trouble. From the unyielding powers of the seen ' 
world, let me take refuge with thee in the world that 
is unseen and eternal. Enlighten my ignorance, 
complete my work when I have failed. Be my 
reserve and confidence when the enemy comes in 
like a flood. Thou spring of all my joys, I would 
drink deep of thy refreshing fulness, that I may live 
in cheerful days amid earth's discontents. Give 
me a child's joy in thy Fatherhood, an heir's glad 
expectations of my inheritance in Christ. And 
teach me by thy Spirit all I need to know for faith- 
ful days and songs of joy. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

January 15 — The Guardian of Our Way 

He will surely he gracious unto thee at the voice of 
thy cry; when he shall hear, he will answer thee, . . . 
And thine eyes shall hear a word behind thee, saying, 
This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the 
right hand, and when ye turn to the left. — Is. SO : 19. 

Remember, Lord our God, thy lovingkindness 
toward us and guide us ever in thy way of love and 
truth. When our hearts are perplexed within us, 
lighten thou our darkness by the teaching of thy 
Spirit. When the next step of our journey is not 
clear, may we hear thy voice behind us saying, 
" This is the way." Let neither allurements from 
without, nor the rising of vainglorious pride within, 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 17 

cause us to leave the path of thine appointment- 
And where thou goest not with us as our Guide and 
Helper, suffer us not to go. For the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

January 16 — In Troubles Unforeseen 

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the storm of 
the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord will be thy 
confidence, and will keep thy foot from being taken. — 
Prov. 3 : 25. 

What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. 
In God (I will praise his word) , in God have I put my 
trust, I will not be afraid; what can flesh do unto 
mef — Psalm 56 : 3. 

Lord, thou knowest with what trials my heart is 
to be assailed this day. Thou understandest my 
folly and my weakness and art acquainted with my 
easily besetting sins. It is to thee alone I look for 
upholding and deliverance. Open my eyes that I 
may see the folly of sin, but show me more of thy- 
self and of the beauty of thy holiness that I may 
desire thy presence and the light of thy favor with 
earnest seeking. For thy love's sake make me 
patient and loving with my friends and neighbors. 
Teach me to forgive that I may come to thee and 
ask to be forgiven. And may I grow like Christ 
this day, for his sake and to his glory. Amen. 

January 17 — The God of Busy Days 

But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness ; my 
heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto 
the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. — 
Psalm 13 : 5. 



18 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thanks be unto thee, my Lord, that thou art 
ever near! I bless thee that when I am alone with 
thee thou art not more loving or more careful of my 
need than when my mind is fully occupied, or when 
I come and go with heavy cares in crowded ways. 
I thank thee for the momentary thoughts that run 
home to thee amid the interruptions of my busiest 
day, for every quick appeal and for the confidence 
and quietness of heart that come as thy response 
to my petition. Give me, my Father, a deeper 
experience of thy love, a calmer assurance among 
perplexities and trials, a more eager desire to keep 
in close and joyful touch with thee. And perfect 
thou my incomplete and fragmentary prayers, 
building in me the communion and likeness of thy 
Son and giving me to become a helper in his kingdom 
and a sharer of his work and joy. Amen. 

January 18 — The Unchanging Friend 

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: 
they walk, Lord, in the light of thy countenance. 
In thy name do they rejoice all the day; and in thy 
righteousness are they exalted. — Psalm 89 : 15. 

God our Father, we thank thee that thou 
changest not amid our changes and art not weary 
in our weariness. In trials that come suddenly, 
we would take refuge under the shadow of thy wings. 
In dull and weary hours, be thou our joy, that we 
may do our work as in thy sight. Let darkness 
bring assurance that thou art still our light of life. 
Make our enjoyments higher and dearer with a 
sense of thy continual presence. Teach us to use 
thy gifts of lovingkindness for aid and sympathy 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 19 

to others. So let our quiet be a reflection of thy 
peace, and drudgeries seem but as stones and briars 
of the path in which we w^alk with thee. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 

January 19 — The Heart's Affections 

I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you) 
always in every supplication of mine on behalf of 
you all making my supplication with joy, for your 
fellowship in furtherance of the good tidings from the 
first day until now. — Phil. 1 : 8. 

dearest Friend and Lover of our souls, we ask 
thy blessing and thy care for friends, who are thy 
dearest gifts on earth. We bless thee that the love 
thou hast for us, and the love we owe and fain would 
offer thee, can neither contradict nor lessen love of 
kindred and the pure communion of our souls with 
earthly friends. So cleanse and ennoble all our 
affections that, with joy and singleness of heart, 
we may entreat thee to be sharers of our happiness. 
Guard these whom thou hast given us from all 
overmastering temptations and all weakness of 
their own heart's faith. Teach us to understand 
and to be helpful without intruding on that inner 
life which each must live alone with thee. And 
quicken us to holier life that we may be found 
worthy of the love thou hast so freely given us. 
Amen. 

January 20 — The New Song 

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become 
my solvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; 
my father's God, and I will exalt him. — Ex. 15 : 2. 



20 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Teach us, God, to remember always that we 
are thy children and to go with singing hearts along 
our way of pilgrimage. Put the new song in our 
mouth, that its melody of praise may cheer our 
hearts when trials come, and speak to others of thy 
presence and thy joy. Give us the childlike faith 
that rests upon thy fatherly provision for the life 
on earth and thy large promise for the life that is to 
come, and in simplicity of trust and purity of love 
enable us to grow out of all stain of sin and de- 
formity of character into thine image. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 

January 21 — Putting Away Falsehood 

These are the things that ye shall do: speak ye 
every man the truth with his neighbor; judge truth 
and the judgment of peace in your gates; and let 
none of you devise evil in your hearts against his 
neighbor; and love no false oath; for all these are 
things that I hate, saith the Lord. — Zech. 8 : 16. 

We come to thee, God, in the name of Christ 
who is the truth, to ask that thou wilt cleanse our 
hearts from falsehood. From all love of deception, 
from all vain imaginations, from careless insincerity 
and trust in refuges of lies, deliver us now and ever- 
more. send out thy light and thy truth; let 
them lead us! Enlighten our mind, instruct our 
conscience, fortify our will, that we may be true 
followers of our Lord in all sincerity of heart and 
uprightness of life. May our speech be in charity 
without guile, loving the truth and peace. Thou 
knowest how we walk in ignorance and prejudice, 
the familiar words of falsehood which we hear and 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 21 

speak. Pardon us that we have been content in 
this false witness. Give us a growing and abiding 
love for all things that are pure and honest and of 
good report with thee. So teach us to follow in the 
steps of Jesus who did no sin, neither was guile 
found in his mouth, that through us also some may 
rise to the knowledge of the truth which is revealed 
of thee. And thine shall be the glory evermore. 
Amen. 

January 22 — In Quiet Days 

A certain nobleman went into a far country, to 
receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And 
he called ten servants of his and gave them ten pounds, 
and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come. — 
Luke 19 : 12. 

Abide with me, Lord, in quiet days, when 
nothing stirs within me or without to move my heart 
to gratitude or fear. Let me be gathering strength 
for times of sorrow and temptation. Keep my 
heart from all anxiety. Deliver me from that fierce 
craving for excitement which undermines content. 
Make me a just and careful steward of the gifts 
thou hast committed to my care. Build thou thy 
likeness as thou wilt, through storm and trial, or in 
silent years. Let gain and loss, the quiet or dis- 
tracted hours of life, according to thy promise, work 
together for my good. And let thy name be honored 
and thy kingdom come and thy will be done on 
earth. Amen. 



22 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

January 23 — Those Who Have Gone Before 

But we would not have you ignorant, brethren' 
concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not 1 
even as the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe 
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also 
that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with 
him. — 1 Thess. 4 : 13. 

Heavenly Father, from our hearts we thank thee 
for gracious memories of our beloved whom thou 
in loving wisdom hast taken to thyself. We thank 
thee that against the darkness of that mystery thy 
promise burns. In silence which may never more 
be broken upon earth, help us to remember lovingly 
their words of faith and cheer. Thou, God, hast 
strengthened and comforted our hearts through 
faith and labor, lest we should sink in idle, hopeless 
grief to an ignoble weakness. Let us not think so 
meanly of thy care or of their generous love as to 
believe we honor them by aimless sorrow more than 
by a cheerful hope and service. Let thy strength 
abide in us that we may overcome and be found 
worthy of eternal life through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. So prepare our hearts for the unclouded 
vision and communion of thy saints in light. Amen. 



January 24 — In Ordinary Days 

And being ashed by the Pharisees, when the king- 
dom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The 
kingdom of God cometh not by observation; neither 
shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom 
of God is in the midst of you. — Luke 17 : 20. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 23 

Lord, I would be ready when thou callest, in the 
great day of my life. Help me, therefore, to be 
diligent and faithful in my work this day, that I 
may make it by thy help a joyful time of service in 
confession of thine authority and in answer to thy 
love. Teach me to recognize my present op- 
portunity rather than to dream of greater things to 
come. But, in little or in great, be with me that I 
may grow more worthy to be called thy child. So 
in present diligence make my life fit for great adven- 
ture and let my work move in the direction of thy 
thought. Let thy kingdom come and thy w^ork be 
perfected, whether by me or by another, and clear 
my heart for evermore of envy, jealousy and pride. 
For thou hast trusted me and I would fain do my 
work well for simple love of thee. Amen. 



January 25 — The Refuge 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help 
in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the 
earth change, and though the mountains be moved in 
the heart of the seas. — Psalm 46 : 1: 

God, our satisfaction and our home, to thee we 
run for strength when the powers of the ever-present 
world are upon us and our hearts weary and grow 
faint. Teach us so to live in the remembrance of 
thy presence that all the troubled world shall be 
overshadowed by the beauty of thy holiness. Give 
us hours of dear and intimate communion, when 
we may rest our souls on thee and be at peace. 
From the tumult of the street and the legioned 
hosts of crowding thoughts and fears we turn to thy 



24 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

place of quietude in our own hearts to find ourselves 
at home. Fulfil our hopes in thine own time, 
according to thy word. Let thoughts of thy merci- 
ful kindness begin our day. Remember us when in 
the multitude of our occupations we are tempted 
to forget thee. Grant us thy peace at eventide. 
Show us deeper meanings in thy word. Give 
broader vision and make us more helpful for thy 
work with men. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



January 26 — Happy Living 

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 
In returning and rest shall ye be saved; and in quiet- 
ness and in confidence shall be your strength. — 7s. 
30 : 15. 

Thou that bringest cheer amid the trials of our 
mortal life, so turn our hearts from fear to praise 
that we may live for thee in all conditions without 
any lingering trace of dread or gloom. Let not our 
hearts be troubled by losses, sorrows or perplexities 
of this passing world, but may we accept all the dis- 
posings of thy will with quiet hearts and cheerful 
countenances, speaking only kindly and courageous 
words, and thinking only pure and joyful thoughts. 
Incline our hearts rather to gratitude than com- 
plaint, and our lips to songs of praise. And may 
the happiness of thy presence rid us at once of selfish- 
ness and gloom. For the sake of Jesus Christ our 
Lord, who gladly gave himself for our redemption. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 25 

January 27 — The Indwelling Spirit 

It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go 
not away the Advocate will not come unto you; but 
if I go, I will send him unto you. And he, when he is 
come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of 
righteousness, and of judgment. — John 16 : 7. 

Spirit of the Living God, by whom we are en- 
dowed with life from above, so quicken in our hearts 
all pure affections, right desires and holy thoughts, 
that we may fulfil thy work and grow in the like- 
ness of our Lord. Show us our sin, but open to our 
hearts a vision of the beauty of Christ # s holiness. 
Warn us of peril and keep us in the hour of our 
temptation. Increase our patience and our courage, 
our humility and our self-respect as children of 
God. Give wisdom and zeal, justice and fervent 
charity. Teach us to forgive, to conquer anger and 
to love our enemies. Take of the things of Christ 
and show them unto us. Purify our hearts that 
thou mayest enter in and dwell with us for peace 
and service. And this we ask in the name of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

January 28 — Waiting God's Time 

For by hope were we saved : but hope that is seen is 
not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seethf 
But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we 
with patience wait for it. — Rom. 8 : 2Jf.. 

Thou art my confidence, Lord, when I am 
troubled and perplexed at the slow progress of thy 
kingdom in the earth. Help me to share thy pa- 
tience, as thou hast given me to share thy love and 



26 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

work. Thou who knowest the end from the be- 
ginning, pity and sustain me when my ignorance of 
even what the morrow may bring forth hangs like 
a cloud upon my heart. Let me find thy presence 
joy enough for song and thy love a motive for en- 
durance and for toil. To all who need thee in their 
sorrow and their sin, come, Lord, to cheer and save. 
Send by whom thou wilt send to the dark places of 
the earth and let thy light in me bear witness some- 
where to thy love. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



January 29 — In the Day of Our Temptation 

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and 
I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them 
as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I 
will hear them; I will say, It is my people; and they 
shall say, the Lord is my God. — Zech. 13 : 9. 

In the day of our temptation, grant us aid, 
Christ. As thou overcamest in the wilderness, help 
us to overcome. Keep us when we are tried and 
nothing holds us back from sin but love of thee. 
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil, for thine own name's sake. For thou hast 
called and redeemed us and thy love is the portion 
of our hope. Let us not lose thy presence or 
the joy of hours we spend with thee. When we are 
tested, may our true life appear. When we are 
sifted, let the chaff be driven away but none of the 
wheat. And may thy joy and ours meet in the day 
when we shall have overcome and thou givest us to 
eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of 
God. And to thy name be praise. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 27 

January 30 — Building God's Kingdom 

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that 
is a householder, who went out early in the morning 
to hire laborers into his vineyard. Again he went 
out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did like- 
wise. — Matt 20 : 1. 

Father in heaven, unto thee we bring in faith and 
confidence all the desires and efforts through which 
we seek to build thy kingdom. Make us in love 
with the simplicities of holiness, that we may serve 
our generation by what we are as well as by what 
we do and say. By the indwelling of thy Holy 
Spirit form in us more and more from day to day 
the image of Christ, that he may speak through us, 
and that men may know that we have been with 
him. Go before and guide our thoughts lest we miss 
the way or bear false witness to our Lord and Friend. 
Clear our perplexities, sustain us in our weakness. 
Let the joy of thy presence in our hearts become a 
light for others. And in the building of thy king- 
dom, give us such part as thou shalt choose and bless, 
keeping us alike from vanity and fear. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

January 31 — From the Noise of Strife 

how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid 
up for them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for 
them that take refuge in thee, before the sons of men! 
In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from 
the plottings of man: thou wilt keep them secretly 
in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. — Psalm 
31 : 19. 



28 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

From trouble and the noise of strife we turn, 
Lord, to thee, our refuge and our hope. Let peace 
rule in our hearts amid confusion, while we wait for 
the triumph of thy kingdom. Bring thine own 
will to pass in the changes that must come. Make 
us active and undaunted in thy work. Remember 
those who are called to patience and listen to their 
prayers. Be with the sorrowing, to sustain them in 
their anguished and lonely hours. Let hate and 
envy die out of men's hearts, and peace and kindness 
reign. Go with us through the darkness of our 
suspense and perplexity. Make us lovers of justice 
between man and man. Give us courage to go on in 
thy companionship with full assurance that thy 
patience fails not nor is ignorant of the means and of 
the end. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

February 1 — God's Confidence in Us 

As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I 
them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify 
myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in 
truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them 
also that believe on me through their word, that they 
may all be one. — John 17 : 18. 

Giver of all good, who hast trusted those whom 
thou hast loved, help me henceforth to think and 
speak as one w T hom thou hast sent to do thy work 
on earth. Let me have a child's care for the honor 
of his father, a friend's thought for the reputation 
of his friend. By thy love and trust my work is 
honored and made joyful, and I would fain so live 
and die that thou mayest have the joy of meeting 
my return to thee with thy " Well done! " Thou 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 29 

hast called me to thy service and loved me before I 
knew of thee; strengthen me, I beseech thee, to do 
my part with courage and delight, to bear the bur- 
dens which must needs be borne, whether they 
come of my old sins and follies or of the necessary 
cares of work on earth. Nor ever suffer me to be a 
rock of stumbling before others in my word or 
deed. Amen. 



February 2 — The Fire Within 

For other foundation can no man lay than that 
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if any man 
buildeth on that foundation . . . each man's work 
shall be made manifest: . . . because it is revealed 
in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work 
of what sort it is. — 1 Cor. 3 : 11. 

Where thou dwellest, my God, I thank thee 
that clear light and warmth of love forever glow. 
Come and abide in my cold heart and fill it with thy 
genial fire. Though winter rules without and earth 
lies barren under frosty skies, let there be fruitful 
life and joy within. Come as a fire to burn the evil 
in my soul, searching out every wicked thought and 
selfish hope and vain affection. Come as a light to 
make the way of duty plain. Come with new hope 
and joy to glorify the life of faith and work. And 
let this warmth and light, this cleansing and im- 
pelling fire I ask for my own heart be given to others 
whom I see distressed and hindered by the trials of 
the way. So let the love of Christ abide and rule 
and make thy people one in joyful work and hope. 
Amen. 



30 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

February 3 — Disappointments 

And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which 
I sware unto Abraham . . . saying, I will give it 
unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine 
eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the 
servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, 
according to the word of the Lord. — Deut. 34 : 4- 

Lord, in thy merciful kindness, remember the 
hidden desires of our hearts for good which have 
failed of ripening into fruit-bearing. Thou knowest 
how feeble our desire, how slight our strength, how 
brief our day! Our hearts are bowed before thee 
in remembering how often we have done the things 
we would not do and left undone the things of our 
higher purpose. Thou who dost not break the 
bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax, leave us 
not to discouragement or to disheartened hours, 
but encourage us with a breath of thy Spirit's 
blowing, that we may with true repentance turn 
from failure and endeavor to fulfil thy purpose of 
holiness. Lift our aspirations out of the lower and 
turn them to the higher joys. Enter not into judg- 
ment for our failures but remember our better 
wishes, bringing them to pass by the power thou 
givest. And to thy name be praise. Amen. 

February 4 — Against Idolatry 

For ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God. 
When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then 
shall ye also be with him manifested in glory. Put 
to death therefore your members which are upon the 
earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, 
and covetousness, which is idolatry. — Col. 3 : 3. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 31 

Keep us, God, from all folly of idolatry, whether 
of the gifts of earth or of the desires and imagina- 
tions of our own hearts. Let not the lust of the 
flesh, or the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life have 
dominion over us. Preserve us from that love of 
money which is a snare to the soul. May we be 
diligent in business as faithful stewards, seeking 
justice before gain and loving mercy rather than 
covetousness. In the midst of business may our 
hearts be quick to hear and eager to obey thy will. 
If riches increase, help us not to set our hearts upon 
them. If they take wings, help us not to lament as 
those who have been stripped of all their treasure. 
Give us fixed and equal minds in joy and woe, in 
gain or loss; forgiving and upholding, enlightening 
and making joyful, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



February 5 — A Consecrated Day 

Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eatf 
or What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be 
clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles 
seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have 
need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom 
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be 
added unto you, — Matt. 6 : 31. 

Lord, since thou hast loaned me today, for thine 
own uses and for mine, help me to use it both 
gratefully and well: and keep me in thy loving- 
kindness from taking anxious thought for the re- 
sponsibilities of tomorrow. Teach me that I may 
safely leave all these anxieties to thee, assured of thy 
fatherly love and care and remembering how often 



32 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

thou hast helped and healed me in the ended days. 
Remember in thy mercy all troubled and anxious 
souls, and bring them to the faith of Christ that 
takes away forebodings. Help all thy children to 
face the evil of this day with faithful and courageous 
hearts ever at rest in thee. And give us according 
to the measure of thy love strength and confidence 
that all the days are in thy keeping. Amen. 



February 6 — Confidence of Faith 

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, 
Why could not we cast it out? And he saith unto 
them, Because of your little faith- — Matt. 17 : 19. 

God our Heavenly Father, in thee our changing 
hearts have hope, because thou changest not. Have 
mercy on our varying moods and keep us ever in 
thy steadfast peace. Remove our faith from quick- 
sands of our own heart's feeling that it may build 
with confidence on thee. Come in thy love, Lord, 
to cleanse our hearts and dwell therein; and never 
leave us to our weak forebodings or the trial of our 
doubts. In our uncertainties we would rest upon 
thy perfect knowledge of our life and need. Ac- 
cording to thy grace and our capacity make us like 
Christ in all humility and service. Upon thee we 
cast our care, for thou hast called and quickened us, 
and we thank thee that though our tides of feeling 
ebb and flow, the purpose of thy love can never 
change. So grant us rest of quiet and unswerving 
faith through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 33 

February 7 — Brotherly Love 

And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, 
tempting him: Teacher, which is the great commandment 
in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy 
soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and 
first commandment. And a second like unto it is 
this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Matt. 
22 : 85. 

Lord, grant us so to love thee with all our 
heart, with all our mind, and all our soul, and our 
neighbor for thy sake; that the grace of charity and 
brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harsh- 
ness and ill will may die in us. Fill our hearts with 
love, kindness and compassion, so that, by con- 
stantly rejoicing in the happiness and good success of 
others, by sympathizing with them in their sorrows 
and putting away all harsh judgments and envious 
thoughts, we may follow thee, who art thyself the 
true and perfect Love. Amen. 

February 8 — In Times of Change 

My days are like a shadow that declineth. . . . 
But thou, Lord, shalt abide for ever. . . . Thou shalt 
arise and have mercy upon Zion: for it is time to 
have pity upon her, yea, the set time is come. — Psalm 
102 : 11. 

Save us, Lord, from all disheartenment in the 
changes of the earth, being well assured that, though 
we perish, thy purpose shall be accomplished in 
thine own right time. Enable us unfeignedly to 
believe, when some whom we would lean upon de- 
part, that thou failest never and there is neither 



34 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

faltering nor discouragement with thee. Thy will 
be done in all the changes of our time; and ever- 
more thy will be done! Forgive the frequent selfish- 
ness of our petitions and grant us ever that which 
is best for our spirit's life. We thank thee, that thou 
hast made us welcome to thine own heart, though 
thou hast not made our continuance needful for the 
world's going on. Thou who dost raise up men and 
remove them according to thy just and loving will, 
let thy kingdom come! Let our eyes see it, and 
our hands have part! In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



February 9 — Good Days with God 

Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within 
vie, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, 
and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all 
thine iniquities; . . . Who crowneth thee with loving- 
kindness and tender mercies. — Psalm 103 : 1. 

Thou Light and Joy of all who live, my Father 
and my Friend, I thank thee for good days spent 
with thee and for cherished hopes of years to 
come. Keep me all day and every day in this good 
mind of thankfulness and add as thou wilt, joy 
upon joy. Let there be thy continual peace in 
my heart and may the reflection of thy face make my 
face shine in the sight of men. Let me not forget 
thy mercy, or darken any day with the shadow of 
my peevishness. I thank thee for the companion- 
ship of illuminated lives in which I have discovered 
the reflection of thy light. Let me have part in 
that Christlike companionship, not thinking I am 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 35 

worthy, but that thou art great in love and givest 
thyself to those who long for thee. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



February 10 — The Forward Look 

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the 
expectation of the poor perish forever. Arise, 
Lord; let not man prevail; let the nations be judged in 
thy sight. — Psalm 9 : 18. 

We thank thee, Lord, for all the mercies of the 
past; for love and teaching, home and friends and 
lovingkindness. We thank thee for our confidence 
of the forward look, our hope that grows to expecta- 
tion in daily experience of thy care. Give us the 
assurance of faith which belongs to those who have 
been made partakers of the life of Christ and sharers 
of his work with men. Lord, let thy Kingdom 
come! Make an end of sin and cruelty, of w T ar and 
hate and give the kingdom to thy Son. In his 
name. Amen. 

February 11 — Bringing Gifts 

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I 
gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. 
Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay 
by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections 
be made when I come. — 1 Cor. 16 : 1. 

Accept, Lord, from that which thou thyself 
hast given us, all thou desirest for the upbuilding of 
thy kingdom. Let us not say, " Tomorrow we 
will begin to offer, when we have received more 



36 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

largely from thy hand." Though we are children, 
and can do little, we desire to be thy helpers; and 
though we cannot understand thy great affairs, we 
seek thy help that we may busy ourselves joyfully 
in the work which thou hast given us to do. Keep 
us from thoughts of self that shut away the claims 
of other men, and from the idle dreams that hinder 
care for those at hand. Let the brotherhood of thy 
house be dear to us, interpreting the deep thoughts 
of thy fatherhood. Use in thy work the little we 
can bring and feed our souls with good in helping 
others. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



February 12 — Lincoln's Birthday. For the 
Nation 

I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, 
prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for 
all men; for kings and all that are in high place; 
that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godli- 
ness and gravity. — 1 Tim. 2:1. 

We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast raised up 
leaders for us in our times of need, men of faith and 
courage through whom we have been enabled to go 
forward into brighter days. Thou who hast given 
us Washington and Lincoln, choose for us men like- 
minded for our places of authority. Give to our 
people true discernment and good will to follow 
where they lead, that we may not fail in any time 
of perplexity or fear. Purify the life of the nation. 
Make us faithful in loyalty, resolute in action, just 
and true in word and deed, good neighbors, both 
one with another and in the family of the peoples 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 37 

of the earth. Give wisdom to our executives, our 
legislators and our judges. Make our homes pure 
and joyful, enabling us to live in the assurance of 
thy presence, working together as thy children. 
Make us both just and considerate in all our per- 
sonal and business relations. May all who teach 
and all who study in our schools be taught of thee. 
So let thy kingdom come and thy will be done among 
us. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



February 13 — He Who Hath Led, Will Lead 

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar 
of cloud, to lead them in the way, and by night in a 
pillar of fire to give them light: that they might go by 
day and by night — Ex. 13 : 21. 

Heavenly Father, who hast taken thought for us 
this day, we bring our heart's gratitude and our 
heart's desire to thee in perfect confidence and 
childlike faith. Thou who hast led us hitherto, 
lead us to the end! Give strength to the weak; 
care for the needs of all and for the special need of 
each; pardon our iniquities and give us help for 
service. Make us like thyself in holiness as thou 
hast made us free in Jesus Christ our Lord. Let 
thy work appear unto thy servants and thy glory 
unto our children. And may we walk erect, as 
becometh sons and daughters of the Most High 
God, meeting earth's cares with cheerful hearts 
because thou carest for us with unfailing love. 
Amen. 



38 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

February 14 — Loyalty to Christ 

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the good 
tidings of Christ; that, whether I come and see you 
or be absent, I may hear of your state, thai ye stand 
fast in one spirit, with one sold striving for the faith 
of the good tidings. — Phil. 1 : 27. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who hast given thyself to our 
humanity and committed thy witness to our hands, 
let us not betray thee by unrighteous living in the 
sight of men. Nor let us be content with idle days 
or slight achievements in the way of faith and love. 
We thank thee for thy patience and thy trust; that 
when we are in despair about ourselves, thy hopes 
are high for our abundant victory; that when experi- 
ence of failure brings discouragement, thou dost still 
offer aid and opportunity. Let the thought of thy 
great faith in us lead on to new endeavor. In the 
genial atmosphere of the Father's house, where 
thou hast invited us to dwell, build up in us the 
confidence of children who have their Father's 
blessing upon his appointed work. And to thy 
name be praise. Amen. 



February 15 — Withheld Completions 

For behold your calling, brethren, that not many 
wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble 
are called: but . . . God chose the weak things of 
the world, that he might put to shame the things that 
are strong: that no flesh should glory before God. — 
1 Cor. 1 : 26. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 39 

Have mercy upon us, God, in the temptation 
of our unsatisfied desires and the perplexity of our 
disappointments. Teach us that childlike faith in 
the simplicity of which is perfect rest. We thank 
thee that thy purposes are larger than our thought 
or hope; and that thy love denies as well as gives. 
So help us to set our hearts upon the doing of thy 
will and to rest upon thy care, that each present 
withholding may bring us assurance of a wider good. 
Hear our petitions for the gifts of earth according 
to thy wisdom, and not our ignorant desire. Let 
not the fulfillments of this present time become the 
disappointments of the eternal life, nor the plea- 
sures of today sources of weakness for tomorrow. 
Forgive us our weak striving, our impatient yieldings 
to self-will, our unresisted doubts and fears. Con- 
firm in us thy strength, that when our time of bless- 
ing comes and thy love provides according to our 
heart's desire, we may be ready to make the noblest 
use of every opportunity. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

February 16 — The Word of God 

These are my words which I spake unto yon, while 
I ivas yet with you, that all things must needs be ful- 
filled which are written in the law of Moses, and the 
prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. Then 
opened he their mind, that they might understand the 
scriptures. — Luke 24 : 44- 

Lord, who hast revealed thyself in Jesus Christ 
and hast caused him to be spoken of by prophets, 
apostles and evangelists, help us to read the books 
which they have written with a lively faith and glad 



40 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

appropriation of thy message to our hearts. Spirit 
of God, whose indwelling is our hope, take thou of 
the things of Christ and show them unto us. Make 
thy Word a lamp to our feet and a light to our 
path. Help us to fill our minds with songs of 
praise and gracious words of promise, and from these 
stores of memory give us a fitting word for every 
trial and temptation. May we be doers of the Word 
and not hearers only, to the help of others and the 
glory of thy grace which hath redeemed us and 
made us kings and priests to God through Christ. 
Amen. 

February 17 — For the Homeless 

And he said to him also that had bidden him. . . . 
But when thou makest a feast, bid the 'poor, the 
maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed: 
because they have not wherewith to recompense thee; 
for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of 
the just. — Luke 14 •* 12. 

Remember, our Father in heaven, who didst send 
thy Son into a home of loving care, those who for 
w^ork or study are away from the restraints and 
ideals of their own homes. Guard their thoughts, 
that they forget not thee. Keep them from the 
failures and distresses of sin and from the charm 
of the alluring face of evil, giving them power to 
choose and keeping them from the bitter penalties 
of neglect. Help us, to whom thou hast given the 
joy of home, to be very thoughtful for the homeless 
and ready to be friends with them, not in pride 
or patronage, but as brothers and sisters of all thy 
children. And this we ask in the name of him who 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 41 

had the most loving heart, and yet for the love of 
man was homeless and knew not where to lay his 
head. Amen. 

February 18 — Walking with God 

And the king . . . made a covenant before the 
Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his command- 
ments, and his testimonies, and his statutes with all 
his heart and all his soul. — 2 Kings 23 : 3. 

We crave thy presence, Father, in all experience 
of life: to bring us light in darkness, to clear our 
hearts of evil affections, to enable us to learn the 
true proportion of what the world offers. All the 
day long we would walk with thee, assured that 
when our hearts are taken up with the work to 
which thou sendest us, thou art never forgetful of 
our needs or jealous of our interests. Let there 
be windows in our souls, that looking out we may 
see thy glory. Give us also, we beseech thee, happy 
hours when we may draw near with free delight and 
find thy rest lifting us out of weariness. Amen. 

February 19 — True Liberty 

Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, 
Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. . . . 
So shall I observe thy law continually for ever and 
veer. And I will walk at liberty; for I have sought 
thy precepts. — Psalm 119 : 4.1. 

Thou Friend of sinners and Lover of the poor, 
help us to look with thy clear eyes upon the world, 
that we may love what thou lovest and turn from 
that which thou canst not approve. Keep us from 



42 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

hidden sins which work within to spoil the spirit's 
strength. While we remember the sacrifice of 
Christ in life and death, let us count no life worthy 
which is not approved of thee, and no death fearful 
except the yielding of the soul to sin. Thou Lord 
of Life and Giver of Freedom, break all chains of 
evil which have held us fast and enable us to come 
forth into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. 
Open our eyes to see the beauty of thy holiness and 
give us hearts to love thy law and to obey it. For- 
give and strengthen; rejoice our hearts in thy com- 
panionship; and fulfil in us thy purposes of good. 
Amen. 

February 20 — The Intercessor 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit 
will I put within you; and I will take away the stony 
heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of 
flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you . . . and 
ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. — Ezek. 
36 : 26. 

Spirit of the Living God who makest intercession 
for the flock of Christ, plead thou for me when I am 
weary and know not how to ask or what I need. 
Then speak for me and give me restful quiet in my 
soul. And when in blindness of my heart I ask 
amiss, take thou of the things of Christ and show 
them unto me that I may cease to cherish any wish 
more than the coming of his kingdom and the doing 
of his will. Make my petitions fruitful, guiding 
wish and thought. Make them joyful with assur- 
ance of thy love. Help me to be thankful in re- 
membrance of thy mercy and to commit my way 
to thee in cheerful faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 43 

February 21 — Unnoticed Saints 

Jesus saio Nathanael coming to him and saith of 
him , Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. 
Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou met 
Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip 
called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw 
thee. — John 1 : 47. 

We thank thee, Lord, for quiet and unnoticed 
saints by whom the leaven of thy grace is kept at 
work in human life. For their simplicity of faith 
and joy of hope and still activities of love, we who 
are often troubled and perplexed, forsaking service 
and forgetting cheer, bring thee our praise. As thou 
hast helped them in their overcoming, Lord help 
us! As thou hast given them peace and joy, give 
also unto us. Help us to look with open eyes and 
sympathizing hearts, that we may recognize the 
presence of these silent lives of helpful stewardship. 
Make us faithful in our place and work, that out of 
the experience of thy companionship we may come 
to full assurance of faith. Yea, Lord, though our 
lives must needs be troubled, grant us this quietness 
of heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

February 22 — Washington's Birthday. The 
Pathmakers 

Then shalt thou understand righteousness and 
justice, and equity, yea, every good path. . . . That 
thou may est walk in the way of good men, and keep 
the paths of the righteous. — Prov. 2 : 9, 20. 

Thou who art more ready to lead than we to 
follow, Guide and Helper of our days, arm us against 
the misleading voices that allure us into evil paths 



44 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

and against the weakness of our own hearts. Help 
us to take considerate thought for thee in all we do. 
Teach us to direct our way toward the light which 
thou hast set for us. We remember with gratitude 
and thanksgiving those who have gone before, the 
pathmakers who have shown the road through 
many a difficult place. We thank thee for their 
lives and efforts, the remembrance of their struggle 
and their victory. For pioneers and patriots, for 
all who have risked or laid down their lives that we 
might live in peace and safety, we give thee thanks. 
As we move forward, seeking the right path through 
the darkness of the world amid the perplexities of 
our own ignorance, teach us to give thought also 
to those who shall come after, making straight 
paths for our feet, lest the lame should be hurt in 
the way as they follow after us. So let thy way be 
ours and let no man suffer for our wanderings. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 

February 23 — The Glory of Opportunity 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid 
in the field; which a man found and hid; and in 
his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth 
that field. — Matt. 13 : U- 

Creator and Lover of man, who for our redemp- 
tion gavest thy Son to be our brother of the mortal 
and immortal life, we thank thee for the glory of 
opportunity thou givest us to share. Perfect us 
toward thine own thought of an ideal humanity. 
We praise thee for our bodies — eye and ear re- 
sponsive to the waves of light and sound, joy of 
health, power to labor and endure. Help us to 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 45 

train these powers in glad obedience and service. 
We thank thee for the triumphs of the mind- — 
invention and discovery, grasp of knowledge, won- 
ders of art. We rejoice in thy gift of the dream 
and endeavor toward the perfect brotherhood of 
man. Thou art the true glory of humanity. In 
thee we live and move and have our being. We 
thank thee for the communion of our spirits with 
thy Spirit, for thy confidence in us, thy good provi- 
sion and our enduring life with thee. Amen. 

February 24 — The Presence of God 

/ have set the Lord always before me: because he is 
at my right hand, I shall not be moved. . . . Thou 
wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is 
fulness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures 
for evermore. — Psalm 16 : 8. 

Giver of all joy, our loving Heavenly Father, 
let our quiet times and hours of rest be filled with a 
delightful sense of thy presence and grant us help 
in times of pleasure that we may not offend against 
thy law of love. Give us to see more of thy thought 
in the beauty of the earth and of thy purpose in the 
lives of men. Increase our sympathy with our 
brothers in their pleasure and their pain. Renew 
our strength, quicken our faculties, that we may be 
better fitted for the work which thou hast given us 
to do. We thank thee for thy fatherly love and 
care in days gone by, for wayside mercies and the 
satisfactions and compensations of our work. To 
thee be praise for thy continual goodness and for 
our hope of^the eternal life with thee. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 



46 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

February 25 — The Needs of Others 

But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, 
And who is my neighbor? . . . Which of these three, 
thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell 
among the robber sf And he said, He that showed 
mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and 
do thou likewise. — Luke 10 : 29. 

Father in heaven, forgive us that in hours of 
trial we forget the needs of others in asking thee to 
meet our own necessities with good. We thank thee 
that thou hast taught us to love our neighbor as 
ourself and founded our best joys on the true 
brotherhood of man. Remember all whom thou 
hast loved and whom Christ came to save — the 
sick, the sorrowing, those who are cast down in 
thought of their own sin and failure, or who are 
greatly tempted. Help us all to overcome by the 
indwelling of thy power. Remember those whom 
thou hast given us in special love. Though we are 
often helpless in their time of need, help us with an 
unfaltering faith to trust them to thy unforgetting 
care. Cure us of selfish will, that we may enter 
into the communion of thy fellow workers, where all 
are brethren of Christ and where thy love provides. 
In the name of the interceding Christ. Amen. 



February 26 — The School of Christ 

Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by 
the things which he suffered; and having been made 
perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the 
author of eternal salvation. — Heb. 5:8. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 47 

Since thou hast brought me to the school of Christ, 
my Father, help me to be always of a teachable and 
willing mind, leading me on from class to class until 
thou countest me prepared to go out into some wider 
world of work and joy. Search my heart and clear 
it of every evil thing. Purify my thoughts, that I 
may see thee and the way of life where thou givest 
thyself to thy children. Let me become a friend to 
all my comrades of the school, gaining from each 
what each has learned of thee and growing con- 
tinually stronger in happy and helpful companion- 
ships. I thank thee that thou hast thought me fit 
for training, and for thy aid that never fails in my 
hard places. Fashion my heart to thine own vision 
and desire, that thou and I may both be satisfied. 
In the name of Christ, who studied with us in the 
school. Amen. 



February 27 — Gracious Living 

Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, 
but as wise, buying up the opportunity, because the 
days are evil. . . . Speaking to yourselves in psalms 
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making 
melody with your heart to the Lord. — Eph. 5 : 15. 

Forgive me, my Father, that I go about my 
needful but disagreeable work ungraciously, and 
that, even though I suppress complaint, my heart 
is often angry and dissatisfied. Show me the neces- 
sity of the work and the shame of my querulous 
lamenting. Finish thy work in my heart, I beseech 
thee, and give me ever a cheerful and joyful spirit, 
wholly proof against the temptation of complaining. 



48 PRAYERS AND THANKGSIVINGS 

Increase my strength and make it sufficient for all 
thou givest me to do. Make even drudgery a 
school of holiness. And when the burden of this 
seeming thankless task is heavy, let me remember all 
the easy and delightful hours which thou hast 
given me — the rest of night, the refreshment of 
love and above all the constant sustaining of thy 
presence. Take not my opportunities from me, 
my God, but help me to use them to the uttermost 
for love of thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



February 28 — In His Image 

But we all, with unveiled face, reflecting as a mirror 
the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same 
image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the 
Spirit — 2 Cor. 3 : 18. 

Thou who art the life of the world, reveal thyself 
in our hearts that we may bear continual witness 
to thy presence in all we do and say. Thou who 
hast given thy Son for light and beauty in our dark- 
ness, let some tokens of his power be shown in us, 
whom thou in infinite love hast made thy children. 
Oh, let thy church be like its Lord! its living stones 
shaped after the pattern of him who is the corner- 
stone, its joy to do his commandments and draw 
men unto him. Let there be in us, Lord, that 
spirit of love and self-giving which becomes the 
followers of him who gave his life for the world. 
Deliver us from our devouring selfishness and keep 
us from the power of all temptation. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 49 

February 29 — The Open Vision 

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he 
shall guide you into all the truth. . . . He shall 
glorify me; for he shall take of mine, and shall declare 
it unto you. — John 16 : 13. 

Give me, my God, the ready mind and willing 
heart to which thy Holy Spirit can reveal high 
thoughts and happy visions of thy kingdom. Open 
the eyes of my soul, that I may understand thy law 
of love within me and without, and know the power 
of Christ as Head and Saviour of the world of men. 
Show me more of thyself, God, in the glory of thy 
power — Lord of all light, Wonder of all love, 
nearer than all, yet far above my thought in purity 
and justice. Purge my vision and control my 
thoughts that I may come to be among the pure in 
heart to whom it is given to see thee. And as I 
look and love may thy likeness grow in me, that I 
may serve my neighbor as thou dost bless and help 
all peoples and generations on the earth. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



March 1 — Proving Our Ways 

Bear ye one another 1 s burdens, and so fulfil the law 
of Christ. . . . But let each man prove his own work, 
and then shall he have glorying in regard of himself 
alone, and not of his neighbor. For each man shall 
bear his own burden. — Gal. 6 : 2. 

Almighty and all-seeing God, assist me by thy 
Holy Spirit that I may prove and try my way and 
turn from every evil thought and word. Teach 



50 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

me to discern the evil from the good and neither to 
excuse what thou condemnest nor to cherish bitter 
remembrance or angry self-reproach where thou, 
for Christ's sake, hast forgiven and blotted my 
transgressions out of thy book. May I learn alike 
from thy lovingkindness and from the recollected 
follies of my way, true charity for others and a 
forgiving spirit in all the vexations and injuries of 
life. Help me not to be discouraged with myself, 
not to make light of sin, but to turn away from self 
to thee in true repentance and eager desire, for 
purity and service. And quicken thou in me thy 
life, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 

March 2 — Active Humility 

But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift 
up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his 
breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me, a sinner. 
I say unto you, This man went down to his house 
justified rather than the other; for every one that 
exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth 
himself shall be exalted. — Luke 18 : IS. 

Our Father, who art good to all and hast need of 
all, we thank thee that thou rememberest the lowly 
and dost use our weak lives for thy wise designs. 
Write our names among the faithful that we may 
live with thee and be partakers of thy thought and 
have our share in thy eternal joy. We bless thee 
for those who have given their all, for love that seeks 
another's good, forgetful of its own, for home minis- 
tries and neighborly devotion. Cure us also of the 
desire to be first, of parade in worship, of covetous 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 51 

eyes and selfish hearts, of that anxiety for the needs 
of today that robs us of joyful confidence in thee. 
Amen. 

March 3 — The Golden Law of Love 

How precious is thy lovingkindness, God! And 
the children of men take refuge under the shadow of 
thy wings. . . . For with thee is the fountain of life: 
in thy light shall we see light. Oh, continue thy 
lovingkindness unto them that know thee, and thy 
righteousness to the upright in heart. — Psalm 
36 : 7. 

Thou who hast loved us and hast made our lives 
a witness of thy care, we thank thee for the joy of 
our affection toward thee and toward our brothers 
of this laboring and overcoming life. Oh, lift our 
thought from lesser things to live with thee in that 
clear atmosphere of love! Rid us of idle hopes, of 
sensual and selfish wishes, that we may walk with 
thee in ever growing satisfaction, finding the work 
thou givest us a continual delight, and upheld in 
patient waiting for the fulfilment of thy plans. 
Let this love and joy be living in our hearts, that 
we may grow into thy likeness. When in folly we 
forget thee, our just and loving Father, let thy 
thoughts summon us and thy love come forth to 
meet us on the way. Fountain inexhaustible 
of grace and truth, satisfy thou our hearts and they 
shall be content in thee. Amen. 



52 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

March 4 — Conflict and Confidence 

But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, my beloved 
brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that 
your labor is not in vain in the Lord. — 1 Cor. 15 :57. 

We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast chosen us 
for strength instead of sheltered innocence and 
weakness. We bless thee that thou hast summoned 
us to conflict and put the victory of faith within our 
grasp. Give us a strength above our own and feed 
the flame of our enthusiasm with continual renewal 
of thy gifts of faith and love. Shape all events and 
experiences of our lives for overcoming. Endue 
us with wisdom by the power of thy Holy Spirit 
and make us helpful in our generation, showing thy 
love in lives which thou hast renewed and sustained. 
Give us the victory over even our besetting sins, to 
thine own glory in our own eternal peace. Forgive 
the transgressions of our careless hours and all the 
follies of our lives. Teach us to watch for opportun- 
ity, never content to sit at ease when there are 
victories to be won for thee, nor easily cast down 
when evil seems to triumph in the earth. And 
make us sharers, according to thy promise, of Christ's 
joy of overcoming in the risen life. Amen. 



March 5 — The Friends of Christ 

No longer do I call you bondservants; for the bond- 
servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have 
called you friends; for all things that I heard from 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 53 

my Father I have made known unto you. — John 
15 : 15. 

Thou who hast called thy disciples friends, accept 
us also in that happy circle of thy thought and care. 
Sustain us in trouble, enhearten us in loneliness, lift 
us above discouragement. In thy name and work 
we glory, let thy cross be the symbol of our hope 
and immortality. Since thou hast won for us so 
rich a life, let our own years with thee be dedicated 
to thy purpose. Help us to follow thee in ministry 
of kindness and good will. Provide new opportuni- 
ties of service as thou increasest strength, and let 
our hearts and voices overflow in grateful song. 
Companion of all friendships, inspirer and uplifter of 
all affections! by faith in thy good purpose toward us 
we commit ourselves to the sleep of night and to 
the unimaginable experience of death. We thank 
thee that thou hast gone before to prepare us a place, 
and we would ever live with thee. Amen. 



March 6 — A Fruit-Bearing Day 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husband- 
man. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he 
taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he 
cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. — John 
16:1. 

Glorify thy holy name, God, through us in a 
fruit-bearing day. Help us to abide in Christ that 
we may share his life and do his work. If the chan- 
nels of our thought and our desire are choked with 
sin, purge us that we may bring forth more fruit. 
In morning hours of toil, in noontide rest, in the 



54 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

work that draws to an end with the sunsetting, 
and in our evening thoughts or cares, abide thou 
with us and make our hearts glad in thee. Thine 
is the night's rest and the new strength of the morn- 
ing hour; and thine shall be our praise in every 
gain and effort, in every joy and grief, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

March 7 — Against Impatience 

For ye have need of steadfastness, that, having done 
the will of God, ye may receive the promise. For 
yet a very little while, he that cometh shall come, and 
shall not tarry. But my righteous one shall live by 
faith: and if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure 
in him. — Heb. 10 : 36. 

God of all patience, by whose long-suffering love 
alone we are permitted to continue in the opportuni- 
ties of life, keep us in the quiet of thy presence all 
day long that we sin not in hasty word or deed. 
Be swifter than our provocations, stronger than our 
easily besetting sins and kinder than our own 
thought of others. In our impatient hours, when 
anger burns within us and cries out for utterance, 
give us courage in the memory of thy love 
for self-restraint. In the reflection of thy mercy 
may our faces shine. In cheerful hours may we 
await the ripening of thy purpose. So teach us to 
weigh the hopes and fears, the joys and disap- 
pointments of this mortal life that we may know the 
worth of the enduring treasure of thy grace. Guard 
us from the folly of heart-rest in earthly things. 
Enlarge our souls in the good hope of eternal life 
through Christ and make us willing instruments of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 55 

service. Enable us to think in charity, to speak in 
kindness, to deal lovingly as well as justly in all 
relations and responsibilities of life. And glorify 
thyself in us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

March 8 — Eternal Life Today 

Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet 
to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in 
light, who delivered us out of the power of darkness and 
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. — 
Col 1 : 12. 

Thou Lord and Giver of the earthly and the 
eternal life, we bless thee that both are one for us in 
faith, as both shall be one in the experience of thy 
children. We thank thee that thou hast enriched 
our lives with friendship and with household ties. 
We bless thee for all true-hearted fellowship of 
faith and love, and, with loyal and confident hearts, 
for all whom thou hast taken from us, who live to 
thee although we see them not. We thank thee for 
their ministries of faithful affection and self- 
sacrifice. Make us, like them, a blessing to the 
world. And may their memory bring us strength 
to lead the joyful life of faith. Grant to us also 
help to overcome and bring us in thine own good 
time into the dear companionship of love and joy 
where they have gone before. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

March 9 — A Thanksgiving 

give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his 
mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the 
Lord say so, whom he redeemed out of the hand of the 



56 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

enemy. ... that men would praise the Lord for his 
lovinghindness and for his wonderful works to the 
children of men. — Psalm 107 : 1. 

We lift up our hearts to thee, God, in grateful 
remembrance of the gifts and blessings which have 
crowned our days. When our hearts have forgotten 
thanksgiving, we thank thee that thou hast not 
ceased from help, and that although we have sinned, 
thou hast still maintained thy lovingkindness. 
We acknowledge that our trials have been less than 
our desert, our joys the witness ever of thy merciful 
compassion. We bless thee for the gift of life, 
the love of friends, the ties of kindred, the joys 
of home. We praise thee for opportunities of 
knowledge, for innocent enjoyment and helpful 
service. Thou hast comforted us in sorrow and 
upheld us in the time of doubt and fear. Food and 
raiment and shelter are from thee, and thou givest 
us power to overcome temptation. Love is thy 
gift, and faith and hope of better days to come; 
and thy presence is our continual delight. Blessed 
be thou, God, with honor and thanksgiving, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen. 



March 10 — The Cure and Care of Anger 

For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also 
suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye 
should follow in his steps; who did no sin, neither 
was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was 
reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened 
not; but committed himself to him that judgeth right- 
eously.— 1 Pet. 2 : 21. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 57 

God of peace, who ever desirest peace among thy 
children, so restrain anger in our hearts by the power 
of thy Holy Spirit that we may not provoke others 
to wrath, or speak irreparable words. Help us to 
bear ourselves as followers of him who, when he was 
reviled, reviled not again, and by thy goodness teach 
us to think in love even of our enemies and detrac- 
tors. Give us the grace of silence when speech 
would provoke to contention, but courage to speak 
when it is for thine honor or the help of other men. 
Let there be no quarrelsome spirit in us, but may 
we seek amity with all men and hinder none by our 
impatience. And in thy mercy keep us from all 
strife of tongues. And this we ask of thee in the 
name of Christ our peaceable and helpful Lord and 
brother. Amen. 



March 11 —The Stalwart Life with Christ 

Finally j be strong in the Lord, and in the power of 
his might. . . . Wherefore take up the whole armor of 
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, 
and, having done all, to stand. — Eph. 6 : 10. 

Thou our Life! True Light of all who come into 
the world, help us to live to thee. From death of 
sin; from all forgetfulness of God and love; from 
heart ambitions which do not rise above the world; 
from folly of uncharitableness and idle listlessness 
that suffers opportunity to slip away unused — 
Lord deliver us! Help us to live strong, useful, 
happy lives by the indwelling and outworking of thy 
Spirit. Fulfil in us thine own thought of what man 
may be and use us to the uttermost in service, over- 



58 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

coming sin and working righteousness and preparing 
us for the unhindered vision of thy face in ever- 
lasting life with thee. Amen. 



March 12 — God Seeking Us 

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I myself, even 
I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he 
is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will 
I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of 
all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy 
and dark day. — Ezek. 84 : 11 . 

Thou who hast loved and sought us, our Father 
and our Friend, with answering affection we return 
to thee as to our home and rest. We thank thee 
that thou hast given us life, and that from thy love 
our love is kindled. We bless thee that when we 
had gone far from thee into the waste places of our 
selfishness, thy Spirit brought remembrance. Thou 
hast desired us, unworthy children that we are; 
teach us the ways of thy house and the peace of its 
pure and helpful life. By the lives and words of thy 
children, witnessing of thee, thou hast beckoned and 
appealed. Oh, make us helpers in thy search for the 
wandering and the lost, and sharers of the joy of 
heaven over one sinner that repenteth. So let 
thy fatherhood be fruitful in our lives for patience, 
faith and brotherly kindness. And may we grow 
toward the perfection of the life of Christ our Lord 
and through thy love revealed in him be perfected. 
Amen, 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 59 

March 13 — The Tongue 

// any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect 
man, able to bridle the whole body also, . . . so the 
tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. 
Behold how much wood is kindled by how small a 
fire. — James 3 : 2. 

Keep us, God, from every evil word; from all 
unkindness, idle levity, hasty temper and useless 
complaint, from flattery and falsehood. Make 
our hearts pure and our lips clean. Give us to 
share thy joy and let all our looks and words be 
full of cheer, lest we should bear false witness to 
thy perfect grace of forgiveness and thy loving care. 
Keep us from insincerity, from impatient speaking 
and querulous tones in petty trials and misun- 
derstandings. So tame thou that tongue which 
no man can tame and make it harmless in this world 
of strife and ever ready in thy service. And to 
thee will we give praise and glory evermore. Amen. 



March 14 — Helpers of Grief 

For he will deliver the needy when he crieth, and 
the poor that hath no helper. He will have pity on 
the poor and needy, and the souls of the needy he will 
save. — Psalm 72 : 12. 

Have mercy, Lord, upon all sorrowful wanderers 
in loneliness of grief who have forgotten or are 
unaware of thee. In thine own way come near to 
them with guidance , help and comfort, rebuilding 
their lives upon the sure foundations of confidence in 
thy love and power. And help us whom thou hast 



60 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

made their neighbors so to live in faith and courage 
which thou givest us through Christ our Lord, that 
these lonely sufferers may see in us something of 
his divine purity and strength and will to aid. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



March 15 — Following on with God 

For he established a testimony in Jacob, and ap- 
pointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our 
fathers, that they should make them known unto their 
children. . . . That they might set their hope in 
God, and not forget the works of God. — Psalm 78 : 5. 

Through unknown places and the unimagined 
years, Lord, we have walked with thee and by thy 
love we have been kept from peril and evil has had 
no full power over us. Through the days that are 
before us, hidden in the darkness from our eyes and 
keeping new experiences, we would have the dear 
companionship of thy presence. Give us courage 
that when thou biddest us go forward we may take 
our journey with serene and joyful confidence. 
We remember before thee those who are our com- 
panions of earth's wonderful way, our brothers and 
sisters of the life that Jesus chose and shared. 
Thou art our Father and our leader, help us to walk 
together in kindliness. Especially, Lord, remem- 
ber those whom thou thyself hast bound up with us 
in the cords of affection and bring them into the 
kingdom of thy love. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 61 



March 16 — Endurance 

Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of 
patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the 
Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endured; 
ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the 
end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity and 
merciful. — James 5 : 10. 

Father of all grace and patience, who hast known 
our hearts from the beginning, keep them to the 
end that we fail not through lack of endurance in 
the quiet hours of life. When action ceases and 
we can only wait, when decision gives place to 
doubt, when weakness or ignorance leave room only 
for submission, when we have spoken our last word, 
made our final effort, and in our own strength can 
do no more; then, for the sake of Jesus who was 
tempted with our temptations and straitened in 
lingering days until his work might be accomplished, 
come to our aid! Assure us of thy presence when 
we sit in loneliness, that our vexed hearts may find 
their rest in thee. Speak the words in our per- 
plexity which of old upon the lips of Christ brought 
calm to the troubled sea. Turn even our impa- 
tience to profit in the deepening of a purpose that 
is not dependent upon immediate attainment, and 
a faith that lays hold upon the eternal purposes of 
God. And when, by thine assistance, we have been 
enabled to keep the word of thy patience, suffer us 
not to fall away in the hour of death, for the sake of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



62 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 



March 17 — Care of the Body 

For of him, and through him, and unto him are all 
things. ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by 
the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living 
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual 
service. — Rom. 11 : 36. 

Lord, who hast given us these treasures of 
earth's strength and opportunity in earthen vessels 
that we might learn the need of trust in thee, help 
us so to use and cherish our frail bodies that they 
may be most effective for the work which thou hast 
given us to do. Pardon our transgressions and 
shortcomings. Make us strong to labor, patient 
for endurance, filled — as becometh temples of 
thy Spirit — with all purity, girded and ready for all 
service. Help us to keep the nightly and weekly 
rest which thou hast appointed with willing and 
obedient hearts. May sleep refresh us, food nourish 
us and pleasure bring us no regret. Preserve us 
from the shame and folly of idleness and from the 
temptation to presumptuous overwork for merely 
earthly gains; but when the hour of need appears, 
and for thy love or for the service of thy children 
we are called to work beyond our strength, restore 
us, if it please thee, or accept our sacrifice for the 
sake of Christ, who denied not his body for our 
need. And when these earthen vessels of our sense 
and strength are broken, receive our spirits for the 
sake of Christ our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 63 

March 18 — The Comradeship of Christ 

All authority hath been given unto me in heaven 
and on earth. Go ye therefore and make disciples of 
all the 7iations: . . . teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am 
with you all the days, even unto the end of the world. — 
Matt. 28 : 18. 

We thank thee, Father, for thy Son, our Lord, 
who for our sake experienced sorrow, loneliness and 
death, that we might have an inward and abiding 
joy, a true companionship, and be set free from the 
old slavish fear of death. Thou, from whom all 
thy disciples fled in the hour of trial, who knewest 
lonely vigils in the desert places, remember us in the 
hour of our betrayal and distress. Help us to seek 
our strength from the divine and loving Father; 
to keep true to the best purposes of our own hearts; 
to live upon the highest levels of our thought; 
to love and not to hate; to be long-suffering, kind 
and slow to take offense. So may we have place in 
the great brotherhood where Christ is the clear 
dawn of the promised glorious day. So in self- 
giving may we lose all sense of loneliness. Amen. 



March 19 — A Thanksgiving 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of 
him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, 
that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth 
salvation, that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth! 
— Is. 52 : 7. 

With my whole heart I give thee thanks, my God, 
for thou hast dealt bountifully with me. Thy 



64 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

promises are like dawn upon the darkness of the 
earth. Blessed be thou, who hast given thy Son to 
be Saviour and Friend of men. I bring thee praise 
for joys that make earth bright; for needed gifts of 
every day; for home delights and meetings; for 
ideals of lovingkindness, justice, truth; friendship 
and its affluence of joy and strength; wisdom born 
of experience; peace that is deeper than grief. 
Most of all I give thanks that thou art thou — my 
Father, in whom life's dearest hopes are eternally 
secure. Lover of men, teach me how gratitude may 
overflow in thoughtful service to my brothers of the 
common life. And ever keep me from the sin 
which hangs a veil between my heart and thee. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 



March 20 — Meditative Hours 

Oh } how love I thy law! It is my meditation all 
the day. Thy commandments make me wiser than 
mine enemies; for they are ever with me. I have 
more understanding than all my teachers; for thy 
testimonies are my meditation. — Psalm 119 : 97. 

Thou that callest to remembrance and biddest 
us consider and try our ways, so guide and control 
our times of meditation that we may obtain new 
courage for endeavor from our communion with 
thee. Help us to draw near in true repentance and 
full assurance of thy fatherly love. Disengage our 
thoughts from the cares, ambitions and desires of 
the world, that our hearts may be open and pre- 
pared for the teaching of thy Holy Spirit. For 
thou alone art our strength, the true good of our 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 65 

souls, the bread of life which satisfies, the joy which 
enables us to serve and overcome. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

March 21 — The Gentleness of God 

praise the Lord, all ye nations; Laud him, all 
ye peoples. For his lovingkindness is great toward 
us; and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. — Psalm 
117:1. 

We thank thee, Heavenly Father, for thy gentle- 
ness which is both our example and delight. Let 
thy long-suffering pity deepen assurance that thou 
lookest upon us with a Father's heart of love. 
Forgive us that we have impatient thoughts of life 
which thou hast appointed for our teaching and that 
we find it so hard to forgive when thou hast freely 
pardoned our transgressions. Give us power to 
labor and to overcome. Help us to use our strength 
in gentleness Teach us how to understand and 
sympa hize. May we speak kindly, think charita- 
bly and look hopefully, seeking in all simplicity of 
obedience to love our neighbor as our self. So 
make us like our Lord in truth and gentleness and 
use us in thy sendee evermore. Amen. 

March 22 — The Fear of Death 

But when this corruptible shall have put on incor- 
ruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 
then shall come to pass the saying that is written, 
Death is swallowed up in victory. . . . But thanks 
be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. — 1 Cor. 15 : 5 If.. 



66 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

In my folly, Lord, I am troubled for my friends, 
or for myself, by thoughts of the body's death; 
and I confess before thee that I am often more 
afraid to die than concerned to live as thy disciple 
ought. Yet thou art ever with me and I thank thee 
that Christ has gone where we must go and opened 
the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Take away 
this fear of death and all forebodings either for 
myself or those I love; and be thou my life and the 
true life of my affections, and assure my heart that 
none that lives in thee can ever die. Teach me to 
work in cheerful expectation and to leave the place 
of work to thee. Let me not mar thine instrument 
by thankless fear or weak repining. For thou art 
my life and what thou choosest I would choose. 
In the n ame of Christ . Amen . 

March 23 — Wayside Mercies 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of 
mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; 
my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and loving- 
kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and 
I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. — Psalm 
23 : 5. 

We thank thee, Lord, for thy great gifts by which 
we live and live with thee; for thy Fatherhood and 
our approach to thee through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord; for the teaching and upholding Spirit; the 
fellowship of saints and the good hope of immortal- 
ity. We bless thee for the wayside mercies which 
make all our homeward journey glad. Let not the 
dust of the road choke the outpouring of thy springs 
of joy within our hearts or any passing troubles dim 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 67 

our vision of thy light. Sustain our courage in the 
appointed trials and temptations of our pilgrimage. 
Open our eyes to see thy mercies and give us hearts 
to delight in every gift and beauty of the shifting 
days. So lead us onward, ever fulfiling in us thy 
desire of good and happy life and making us thy 
helpers. And to thy name be praise! Amen. 



March 24 — Heart Purity 

Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine 
with him. And he marvelled that (Jesus) had not 
first bathed himself before dinner. And the Lord said 
unto him, Now ye Pharisees cleanse the outside of the 
cup; . . . but your inward part is full of extortion 
and wickedness. Ye foolish ones, did not he that made 
the outside make the inside also? — Luke 11 : 37. 

Lord of all life, who in thy holiness revealest thy- 
self to those who are pure in heart, so cleanse and 
strengthen us that we may be free from every evil 
desire and unclean imagination, serving thee as 
loving and obedient children day and night, and 
ever finding gladness in thy presence. Thou art 
our Father; make the brotherhood of man in thee so 
real and joyful to us that we shall feel the least offense 
of thought or word or act toward any of thy chil- 
dren like a stain upon our souls. Give us the child- 
like spirit of love and faith in a world too full of 
cruelties and hates. And may thy wisdom be our 
guide, lest we fall into any snare of the tempter. 
Let Christ's own thought of brotherly kindness ever 
rule our spirits, to thy glory in our fruit-bearing 
lives. Amen, 



68 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

March 25 — Brotherly Kindness 

Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to 
show love unto strangers; for thereby some have 
entertained angels unawares. Remember them that 
are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are ill- 
treated, as being yourselves also in the body. — Heb. 

13 :1. 

My God, who rememberest the burdens of men, 
having given us life, and meaning to win us for thy 
willing and obedient children, help me, I entreat 
thee, not to live so selfishly as only to receive and 
not to give compassion. Let me be sharer of thy 
thought and work. Let my patience and endeavor 
for the need of others be offered for true love's sake. 
Confirm in me all motions and desires of brother- 
hood, all thoughts of kindness. Teach me to be 
just and merciful, remembering thine uprightness, 
Thou that delightest in mercy! When my own 
burdens weigh heavily, come thou to my relief, 
leaving me free and strong for help of others. So 
let the fellowship I most desire grow between thee 
and me, Thou compassionate! And help me to 
be thy true and helpful child in all the days ap- 
pointed me on earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

March 26 — Cross-Bearing 

Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come 
after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, 
desiring to build a tower, doth not first count the cost, 
whether he have wherewith to complete it? — Luke 

14 : 27. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 69 

Let the way of the cross be our way, crucified 
and risen Lord, if thou art with us as we go. Let 
death lay hold upon us, if we may but live in thee. 
Arm us for great afflictions wherewith thou dost 
sometimes try the brothers of thy love, but prepare 
our hearts also against the petty annoyances of 
ordinary days. And suffer us not to deny our call- 
ing and thy love by weak complainings and 
resentful thoughts. We thank thee that the 
way of the cross is the way of life and that our 
joy is independent of what hands can hold. Accept 
our renunciations, pardon our withholdings of due 
love and childlike trust. Let the cross become our 
glory because we bear it gladly for thy sake. And 
to thee be praise, for thou hast redeemed us from the 
death of sin and opened to us the gates of life. 
Amen. 

March 27 — Confidence in God 

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? 
Shall God that justifieth? Who is he that condemnethf 
Is it Christ Jesus that died, yea, rather, that was 
raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, 
who also maketh intercession for us? — Rom. 8 : 83. 

Lord, in the overturaings of thy judgment, when 
many who are first shall be last, let not my hope be 
found mere folly of presumptuous self-conceit. 
Thou knowest me altogether and I cannot know 
myself but I thank thee that in thy word is confi- 
dence and in thy love is joy. I bless thee that thou 
hast encouraged me to hope and given me strength 
for labor and taken pleasure in my over comings. 
Let me not measure great and small according to the 



70 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

proportion of my weak vision, or of the world's de- 
sire, lest I waste in folly strength thou seekest for 
the building of thy kindgom. Let me not think too 
much of self, but ever meditate upon thy purpose. 
Make Christ's yoke my assurance of efficiency and 
of companionship with him. Teach me to do thy 
will, God. Thy Spirit is good, lead me into the 
land of uprightness! In the name of Christ. Amen. 

March 28 — For Enemies 

Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, 
Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute 
you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in 
heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and 
the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. — 
Matt. 5 : 43. 

Lord, our God, who lovest those whom we find 
it so hard not to hate, help us to love them also, 
because of thy love and our love to thee. Lift 
our hearts above all petty jealousies and irascibilities. 
Let the dignity of our souls forbid that we should be 
swift to take offense or cherish in remembrance past 
slights or small neglects. Make us thy loving and 
obedient children, joined with thee in the endeavor 
to make life pure and genial with the sunlight of 
brotherly kindness. We thank thee for the good 
which even our poor sight can see in the life of those 
whom we call enemies. We ask good for them, not 
as those who look down from a height, but as for 
our own brothers with whom we earnestly desire 
that we may be heartily and continually reconciled. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 71 

March 29 — A Planting of God 

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good. . . 
and I will build them up and not pull them down; 
and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And 
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the 
Lord; and they shall be my people, and I will be their 
God; for they shall return unto me with their whole 
heart. — Jer. 24 : 6. 

Thou Love and Purity Divine, Sun of my day, 
warning and consuming, scorch thou and burn away 
my sin. Quicken to growth the seeds which thou 
hast planted in my soul and let them blossom and 
bear fruit. Thou who hast called me to holiness, 
hold ever before my eyes the goal of thy divine 
perfection, that I may reverence and aspire. Keep 
me from discouragement. Yea, though I stumble 
and fall through heart's weakness and the lure of 
earth's desire, nevertheless, make me to arise and 
stand before thee with new purpose of amendment 
and joyful remembrance of thy love in Jesus Christ 
my Lord. Lead me by thy Holy Spirit into the 
true way, give me the joy of use and the reward of 
helpfulness. And to thy name be praise. Amen. 

March 30 — The Risen Life 

If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are 
of all men most pitiable. But now hath Christ been 
raised from the dead, the first fruits of them that are 
asleep. . . . For . . . in Christ shall all be made 
alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first 
fruits; then they that are Christ 1 s at his presence. — 
1 Cor. 15 :1\ 



72 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

We bless thee, Father in heaven, for the eternal 
hope that springs to life through the resurrection 
from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us 
through him to have a steady faith to look upon the 
things that endure and not to set our hearts upon 
the gifts that perish. Let darkness pass from our 
believing hearts and thy true light grow toward the 
fullness of the perfect day. Help us to live this day 
the risen and enduring life to which thou callest, 
fearless of all that earth can take away and confident 
that thou wilt help in every hour of need. Be thou 
forevermore our light and our salvation, the eternal 
hope and confidence of men, the giver and renewer 
of all gifts and promises. Let our patience keep a 
sense of thy companionship till the time of vision 
comes. So hold us ever in the joy of faith and let 
the love of Christ enrich our hearts. Amen. 



March 31 — In the Doubtful Places 

And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, 
or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, 
for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred fold, and 
shall inherit eternal life. But many shall be last that 
are first; and first that are last. — Matt. 19 : 29. 

Open thou our eyes, God, that we may see and 
choose aright in all the doubtful places of our life. 
May we not be of those who seeking their own life 
shall lose it. Help us to dedicate ourselves to thy 
service, giving up the life of self that our true life 
may be hid with Christ in thee. And may this new- 
implanted life grow stronger day by day until it 
takes complete possession of our soul and drives 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 73 

forth every evil passion and folly of self-seeking. 
Be thou our true life, lest when we part from thee 
our hopes depart, our peace be broken and our sins 
revive. Teach us earth's hard lesson of renuncia- 
tion and let us not draw back until it is wholly 
learned; but fill our spirits with the comfort of thy 
presence evermore according to thy loving w T ord. 
Amen. 

April 1 — The Door of Life 

/ am the door of the sheep . . . by me if any man 
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out 
and shall find pasture. ... I am the good shepherd; 
the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. — 
John 10 : 7. 

Thou Guide of all our ways, thyself the Door by 
whom we have entrance upon the eternal life, so 
strengthen our hearts by the teaching of the Holy 
Spirit, that we may be ready for all changes, swift 
to forsake all will toward evil, earnest in renewed 
endeavor for the good that is thy gift. thou 
who callest to repentance and dost ever accept the 
return of contrite hearts! give us light to see and 
courage to undertake all new adventures in thy 
service and make thy love manifest in all our way. 
Let our beginnings be of thy devising and may they 
bring us into new companionship of love with thee. 
In trial and perplexity comfort our hearts with the 
assurance of thy will to heal and bless. Let us 
advance from strength to strength and crown thou 
our work with blessing, to the glory of our Father's 
name and for the coming of his kingdom among 
men. Amen. 



74 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

April 2 — Light in Darkness 

Nay, in all these things we are more than con- 
quer ers through him that loved us. For I am persuaded 
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor 'principali- 
ties, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 
nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be 
able to separate us from the love of God, which is in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. — Rom. 8 : 87. 

Lord, our Lord, who hast called us to the way of 
suffering which was the way of power and glory for 
our Lord Jesus Christ, so uplift and sustain our 
hearts that we may endure to the end, finding joy 
amid distress and bringing faith and courage to the 
burdened and heavy-hearted. We thank thee for 
thy unfailing confidence in us as loyal children of 
thy house. We praise thee that thou hast kept us 
hitherto from defeat and despair, given us happy 
hours, true comradeships of heart, glad foretastes 
of that joy of overcoming which is to be fulfilled 
in thy presence. Let not thy guiding and correcting 
hand depart from us in any valley of the shadow, nor 
in the perils of our unclouded hours. For thou art 
the source of courage and delight, and to thee we 
would continually return with grateful hearts for 
thy overflowing bounty and thy considerate and 
unwearying care. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

April 3 — Assurance of God's Care 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty 
hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 
casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth 
for you. — 1 Pet. 5 : 6. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 75 

We thank thee, God, that thou hast opened a 
way before us and encouraged our hearts with the 
assurance of thy loving care. By thy strength alone 
we would stand fast amid the troubles of our days. 
Still let thy goodness lead us and uphold us, God, 
that we may with cheerful hearts be made sharers 
of the joyful expectations that become thy children. 
Forbid it, Lord, that we, to whom thou hast given 
so much and with such patient love, should by our 
ingratitude and little faith bring discouragement to 
others, or make thy work and kingdom seem less 
joyful than thou hast planned them for the needs of 
men. So may we lift and help, nor ever be a drag 
and weight upon the lives of men. But let thy life 
overflow through our lives for the strength and 
courage of those about us. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

April 4 — Communion with God 

Finally, brethren, rejoice: be perfected; be com- 
forted; be of the same mind; live in peace; and the 
God of love and peace shall be with you. . . . The 
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and 
the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. — 
2 Cor. 13 :11. 

Between thee and me, my Father, let no veil come 
but the needful veil of mystery between thy majesty 
and my humanity. For, lo > I would turn to thee as 
thine own child, assured that in my most troubled 
hours I am neither forgotten nor forsaken. Let 
me go on the way of my pilgrimage with the same 
obedient trust wherewith Christ lived on earth and 
walked with thee. Come to my heart and make it a 



76 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

dwelling place for thy rest. Purify my thoughts 
and desires, enrich my soul with gracious experi- 
ences, give me the peace of Christ and make all 
things work together for my good according to 
thy word. And may the joy of thy presence en- 
lighten my days and the communion of thy children 
be my delight. Be thou my help and deliverer, my 
friend and hope forevermore. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

April 5 — God Who Provides 

And Jesus looked round about and saith unto his 
disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches 
enter into the Kingdom of God ! And the disciples 
were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again 
and saith unto them, Children, how hard it is for 
them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of 
God! — Mark 10 : 23. 

Search me, my God, and see if love of money 
holds a place of worship in my soul, or if I prefer 
the riches of the world to thee! Help me to seek 
thy kingdom first and add thou for my life on earth 
such gifts as thou shalt choose. Thou knowest 
that I have need of food and raiment, of shelter for 
myself and those whom thou hast given me, of 
work and love, of health and hope. Thou seest I 
crave the blessings of earth's life — rest after toil, 
the joy of social greetings and opportunities of 
help for those I love. Let not gifts conceal the 
Giver, and when I lack teach me a deeper heart's 
content in thee. So choose and share my lot and 
crown my hopes, through Jesus Christ, thy perfect 
Gift. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 77 

April 6 — Steadfast Faith 

And Peter . . . said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me 
come unto thee upon the waters. And Jesus said, 
Come. . . .But when he saw the wind, he was afraid: 
and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save 
me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand 
and took hold of him, and^saith unto him, thou of 
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubtf — Matt. 
14 : 28. 

Lord, our confidence, unto thee we look in every 
doubt or fear, for thou hast ever enlightened our 
darkness. Increase our faith that we may be more 
useful laborers in thy vineyard, less distracted by 
our own heart's questionings and less disturbed by 
voices from without. Give us the steadfast purpose 
of the strong and willing followers of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who turned not back from the tempta- 
tions, trials and sufferings of his life — yea, not 
from death itself — because he came to do thy will 
and loved thee with a whole heart perfectly. So 
teach us to overcome our doubts and our self-love in 
true obedience to thy fatherly commands and to 
know thee better as we love thee more. For thou 
only art our light and joy and the satisfaction of our 
heart's cravings ; and by thy life we live. Amen. 

April 7 — The New Life with Christ 

That I may know him, and the power of his resur- 
rection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming 
conformed unto his death; if by any means I may 
attain unto the resurrection from the dead. — Phil. 
3 : 10. 



78 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Almighty God, the Father of all the living, we 
thank thee for the revelation of thy glory in the life 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. For his incarnation, 
which makes the brotherhood of man divine; for 
his submission to the power of death, wherein he 
bore our sins in his own body on the tree} for his 
glorious resurrection in which we are made partakers ; 
and for the enduring life in which he continues with 
his church, we bring thee thanks. Help us to put 
away the death of sin, and to live henceforth with 
him in the new life of his resurrection. Pity us in 
sorrow, that the remembrance of his love may bring 
us joy. Enlighten us in darkness by the ministra- 
tion of thy Spirit, and when we fall asleep on earth 
awaken us in thy presence with the resurrection joy 
of those who are raised with Christ in glory. For 
thine is the power and majesty and the eternal 
kingdom of our hope and faith forevermore. Amen. 

April 8 — Our Friend and Helper 

Work not for the meat that perisheth, but for the meat 
that abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man 
shall give unto you. . . . I 1 hey said therefore unto 
him, What must we do that we may work the works of 
God? And Jesus answered and said unto them, This 
is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he 
hath sent. — John 6 : 27. 

True Friend and Helper of the souls of men, we 
look to thee for strength and peace. We thank 
thee that thou hast redeemed us and made us 
sharers of thy life, and that with our growing love 
and faith has come a deeper vision of thine eternal 
love. As thou hast given thy Son a ransom for 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 79 

our souls, help us to give our lives to thee in all 
sincerity of heart, in all humility of service, in all 
delight of friendship, in zeal and wise endeavor 
for the work which is both thine and ours. Remove 
all clouds of ignorance and sin that the clear shining 
of thy presence may be manifest in us from day to 
day. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts 
and sustain our weakness with thy strength. And 
in thy lovingkindness keep us ever near to thee. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

April 9 — Laboring in Hope 

In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving 
the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; 
continuing steadfast in prayer; communicating to the 
necessities of the saints, pursuing hospitality. — Rom. 
12:11. 

Father in Heaven, from whom hope and expecta- 
tion come, help us to wait with confidence, while we 
labor in good hope, working with thee for the up- 
building of thy kingdom in the earth. Let not 
impatience mar our obedience, or anxiety rob us of 
peace in thy service. While we expect the finished 
victory we ask companionship with thee in the 
day's work and the quiet heart with which we lay 
us down to sleep at night. Thy kingdom come! 
Lord; but in thine own good time and way. Thy 
will be done in our own hearts! that we may be 
thy witnesses. Give us the confidence that grows 
through deep experience, and love that rests upon 
thy love that found and holds us. And this we ask 
in the name of our Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd 
that giveth his life for the sheep. Amen. 



80 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

April 10 — A Thanksgiving 

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and 
to sing praises unto thy name, Most High. To 
show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy 
faithfulness every night. . . . For thou, Lord, hast 
made me glad through thy work; I will triumph in 
the works of thy hands. — Psalm 92 : 1 . 

We bless thee, our Father, for merciful kindness, 
unfailing as the dawns that light us on our way. 
Thou hast given food sufficient for us, sheltering 
peace of home, strength for labor, love which still 
interprets thine own love for men, pure light of 
friendship, the beauty of the earth, the singing heart 
of youth, the spirit's vision, delight of achievement 
and repose of sleep. Thou hast made us a nation, 
upheld us in our years of growth, delivered us from 
sore troubles and made us one in loyalty and hope. 
Thou hast sustained our fathers, be with us also in 
our work. Make thy church glorious in Christ- 
like ministry to men and joyful faith. Bring in the 
kingdom of thy love and the holy brotherhood of 
thy faithful and rejoicing children. And for the 
faith and hope which are from thee through Christ 
our Lord be heartfelt praise. Amen. 



April 11 — The Risen Lord 

And the angel answered and said unto the women, 
Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath 
heen crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even 
as he^said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. — 
Matt. 28: 5. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 81 

Unto thee, Christ, who hast conquered death 
and risen again, be glory evermore! Light of the 
World, Splendor of the Father's presence, Son of 
Man in humility of self-devotion, Son of God in 
power — thy risen life is the assurance of our victory. 
From our low estate, compassed with weakness, 
made subject to the death of the body, we look up 
with grateful and exultant hearts to thee. We 
thank thee that thou hast tasted death for every 
man, and risen again from thy humiliation into 
glory. As thou hast called us to be one with thee in 
suffering, so lead us through experience of thy help 
in trial to the triumph of thy risen and eternal life. 
Rid us of all absorbing love of earth and of all 
bondage to the fear of death. Purify our hearts by 
the indwelling of thy spirit, that we may wait thy 
coming with expectant joy. And to God most high, 
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, be 
glory evermore! Amen. 

April 12 — " I Have Prayed for Thee " 

By so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a 
better covenant. But he, because he abideth for ever, 
hath a priesthood that doth not pass to another. Where- 
fore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that 
draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth 
to make intercession for them. — Heb. 7 : 22. 

Thou who didst intercede for thy disciples, grant 
thy mercy unto all men. Thou who didst pray 
for Peter that his faith might stand, give aid to the 
tempted and teach them how to overcome. Thou 
whose friends left thee to endure and work alone, 
have mercy on betrayed and lonely hearts. Helper 



82 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

in trouble, give healing and comfort to the bodies 
and the souls of men. Man of Sorrows, by whose 
grief we are brought into the risen life of joy, uplift 
and guide the brotherhood in which thou hast 
chosen part. Open the eyes of men to good. Turn 
back the selfish and the cruel from their evil way. 
Come and show thyself the brother of all men 
and the judge before whom only love may feel itself 
secure. Remember those who wait and work for 
thee in faith and in love. And let thy kingdom 
come. Amen. 

April 13 — The School of Life 

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the 
exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and 
not from ourselves; we are pressed on every side, yet 
not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued 
but not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; 
always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, 
that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our 
body. — 2 Cor. 4 : 7. 

God, Our Father, make us apt and diligent 
students in this school of life's experiences, and 
crown our efforts with the wisdom which thou alone 
canst teach. We thank thee that our Lord Jesus 
Christ also learned obedience by the things which he 
suffered. We bless thee that thou dost not 
willingly afflict the children of men and that thou 
hast taught us that our trials work out for us more 
and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. 
We thank thee for the joys and companionships of 
thy school, for all from whom we have learned 
wisdom or whose example has been a light upon the 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 83 

way, for all whom thou hast given us to help and 
teach, for tasks accomplished and new opportunities 
of knowledge which stretch on before. Forgive our 
idle hours, our inattention, our misread lessons and 
our faltering hopes, and overrule even our failures 
to the accomplishment of thy will. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



April 14 — The Unhurried God 

And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be 
gracious unto you: and therefore will he be exalted, 
that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a 
God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him. — 
Is. 30 : 18. 

Too often, my Father, have I forgotten with 
what patience Thou hast ever worked: too much 
have I despised my little duties while I longed for 
great occasions. Show me, my Father, the deeper 
meaning of life's commonplace and by the needful 
discipline of quiet work prepare my heart for the 
great opportunities, the heavy trials of my life. 
So fit me, more and more, by the good teaching of 
thy Holy Spirit, for larger work with thee, and let 
not failure hinder those I love or fall upon thy work 
through my presumptuous undertakings. Yet pros- 
per, Lord, if it please thee, my better ambitions, 
teaching me to be strong. And give me courage to 
make ventures in thy sendee, to thine own glory 
and my growth in love and power. Through Jesus 
Christ , my Lord . Amen . 



84 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

April 15 — Life's Opportunity 

And working together with him, we entreat also 
that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. . . . 
{Behold now is the acceptable time ..-..) giving no 
occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministra- 
tion be not blamed; but in everything commending 
ourselves, as ministers of God. — 2 Cor. 6:1. 

Teach us to walk with thee in the true and holy 
life, God, and to make the most of earth because 
it is our opportunity of service and of growth into 
thy likeness. So teach us to use each day's strength 
that we may have continual assurance of thy pres- 
ence and growing power to share thy thoughts and 
do thy work. Help us to rest our hearts in thee, 
Thou our sure defense, content with thine upholding 
when earth's waves of trial overflow. Help us to 
seek no life but thine, to ask no better gift than the 
companionship with Christ. And may the experi- 
ence of his presence make us constant witnesses for 
thee. Let love and patience, learned of him, com- 
mend our life to others, leading them to faith and 
glad obedience to the teaching of thy Spirit. So 
enrich our souls with good, for thou art our true life, 
our perfect and enduring joy. And to thy name be 
praise for evermore . Am en . 



April 16 — Exultant Faith 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be 
joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the 
garments of righteousness. . . . For as the earth 
bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 85 

things that are soivn in it to spring forth; so the Lord 
God will cause righteousness and praise to spring 
forth before all the nations. — Is. 61 : 10. 

Thy marvelous gifts, Lord, are our continual 
satisfaction and delight. We thank thee that thou 
hast called us to be thy children, sent thy Son, our 
Saviour and our Elder Brother, and given thy Holy 
Spirit as our guide. Teach us to prove our gratitude 
in joyful obedience and the cheerful quiet of our 
faith. We thank thee for homes where thy presence 
is the crown of work and joy, for love and kindly 
ministries, for our place in the work of the world, 
true friendship, delights along the common way, 
courage to venture and endure, treasures of thought, 
stored wealth in memories of the living and the dead. 
Praise be unto thee, Lord, for the progress of thy 
kingdom which our eyes have seen and for the open 
doors thou hast set before us! Send us thy peace 
even in trial and may our love and gratitude abound, 
to the glory of thy name. Amen. 



April 17 — The Coming in of the Lord 

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the 
first day of the week, and when the doors were shut 
where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus 
came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, 
Peace be unto you! — John 20 : 19. 

Out of glad hearts we bring thee praise, Christ, 
that thou hast died and risen again to be our life 
and hope. Help us to die to sin, that we may live to 
thee and have thy likeness as our heart's desire. 
We thank thee for the promise of thy reign in every 



86 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

willing heart, the certain glory of thy kingdom and 
the final triumph of God's love for men. Forgive 
our many sins against thy patient love and grant us 
power for service that we may be one with thee in 
work and hope. May our lives show forth the glory 
of the risen life in an abounding and victorious joy, 
over which death and the fear of death can have no 
more dominion. Because we are risen with thee, 
help us to cease from sin and to live to thee in faith 
and love for evermore . Amen . 



April 18 — Rest of Heart 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, 
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: 
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke 
is easy, and my burden is light. — Matt. 11 : 28. 

Our Lord of rest, go with us where we go and re- 
main with us where we are called to remain, for rest 
of heart, in work and quietness, for love of the 
brotherhood, for incentive to helpfulness, in solitude 
and in new experience alike our comprehending and 
sympathizing friend. Be thou the encourager of the 
discouraged and the cheer of the sad. And let us 
learn in all experience, at home or abroad, to draw 
near to thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



April 19 — The Seed of the Kingdom 

And the disciples came unto him, saying, Explain 
unto us the parable of the tares of the field. And he 
answered and said, He that soweth the good, seed is 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 87 

the Son of man; and the field is the world; and the 
good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom. — Matt. 
IS : 36. 

Thou, our source, our satisfaction and the goal 
of our endeavor, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, our 
Saviour and our Friend, so let thy kingdom come in 
us that we may be thy witnesses and the heralds of 
thy love to men. Let us not bear the cross in vain, 
or fail to reach thy joy of helpfulness. Speak 
through us, Lord, with something of thy power of 
revealing the love of God to men. By the trials of 
thine earthly life, help us in trial that we too may 
be strong to overcome. Let thy joy in the presence 
of the Father, in the work of his hands and in the 
brotherhood of his children be the sources of our 
joy. As thou hast died, let death have no dominion 
over us. And may all love which thou hast given 
us on earth be ever in thy keeping, with all our lesser 
gifts and hopes. Amen. 



April 20 — God in His World 

I have seen the travail which God hath given to the 
sons of men to be exercised therewith. He hath made 
everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set the 
world in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out 
the work that God hath done from the beginning even 
to the end. — Eccl. 3 : 10. 

Thou life and joy of all that is, we thank thee that 
thou rejoicest with us in the various beauty which we 
find on earth. May the illimitable spaces of the sky 
speak to our hearts of thee. Let the dawn tell of 
thy care in the night watches, when thou givest to us 



88 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

in sleep. When night returns and the stars look 
down, open our hearts to their revelation of thy glory. 
Thou who hast ordained the changing year, seed- 
time and harvest, growth and rest; Oh, bring to 
ripening the harvest of thy planting in our lives! 
Open our eyes to behold yet deeper wonders in the 
earth about us. Attune our hearts to sympathy 
with the needs and joys of all creatures thou hast 
made. So prepare us for the richer experience and 
wider vision which thou hast promised and prepared. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

April 21— Taking Heed 

So teach us to number our days that we may get us a 
heart of wisdom. ... satisfy us in the morning 
with thy lovingkindness, that we may rejoice and be 
glad all our days. — Psalm 90 : 12. 

Father in heaven, the Giver of earth's opportun- 
ity, the Hope and Reward of our continually-chang- 
ing lives, so teach us to number our days that we 
may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Help us to be 
diligent, knowing the worth of time and scattering 
good seed with cheerful courage, leaving to thee 
the fruitage of the years. In our sowing let us not 
be envious that the harvest comes to others. In 
reaping may we not forget that we gather where 
other men have sown. Let the coming of the night, 
wherein earth's work must cease, be our incentive to 
timely labor and our promise of the rest which 
Christ prepares. Because we are little and the work 
is great, sustain and encourage our hearts to faithful 
endeavor by the power of thy Holy Spirit dwelling 
in us, and keep us from all idleness and procrastina- 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 89 

tion, as well as from the folly of misdirected energy 
and overwork. For the sake of Christ, the Master 
and Companion of our lives. Amen. 

April 22 — The Coming of the Kingdom 

Then Simeon received him into his arms, and 
blessed God, and said, Now lettest thou thy servant 
depart, Lord, according to thy word in peace; For mine 
eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared 
before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation 
to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. — 
Luke 2 : 28. 

God, the assurance of our eternal life, grant us 
light and strength to be good followers of our Brother, 
Jesus Christ, in these trial days of our mortality. 
Uphold and comfort all who suffer. Let thy king- 
dom come in the hearts of men, that we may rebuild 
our world in justice and good will. We bless thee 
for thy presence and for every lovingkindness we 
have known. Make us and all Christians one in 
faithful witness to thy purposes of love. And let 
thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. In 
the name of Christ . Amen . 

April 23 — With God at Home 

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that 
walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of 
thy hands; happy shalt thou be and it shall be well 
with thee. . . . Yea, see thou thy children's children, 
and peace upon Israel. — Psalm 128 : 1. 

Father of our spirits, who hast given us the joys of 
home, make one with us, we pray thee, in our life 



90 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

from day to day. Let reverence and love abide and 
childlike faith keep our hearts at rest in thee. 
May we show honor and kindness, looking each one 
on the needs of others as well as on our own desires. 
Where we touch the world without, may the light 
of our home peace and joy be seen. When we go 
forth, help us to remember that all the earth is 
thy house and all men our brothers of the glorious 
life. When we return, enable us to leave cares and 
perplexities behind us. Quicken our affections 
that they may grow like thy infinite, patient and 
unfailing love. Deepen our experience that we may 
bring richer treasures to the commonwealth of home. 
Lighten all burdens of our work by remembrance of 
thy sympathy. Sustain us in weakness, and com- 
fort our hearts in the inevitable griefs of earth. 
So make us true and loving followers of our Lord 
Jesus and heirs with him of the eternal home. 
Amen. 

April 24 — Using God's Gifts 

For it is as when a man going into another country, 
called his own servants and delivered unto them his 
goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another 
two, to another one; to each according to his several 
ability. . . . Now after a long time the Lord of those 
servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. — 
Matt. 25 : 14. 

Giver of all good gifts, my Father and my Joy, 
so rule my life by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit 
that I may use thy bounty in love of thee. Let not 
thy mercies become occasions of forgetting, nor the 
treasures which thy love bestows lead me to covet 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 91 

or to rest my heart in what I own. Let my enjoy- 
ments know thy presence and find their deepest 
springs in thee. Let not my goods divide me from 
the Source of good. Arm me against the powers of 
selfishness, lest I become like the unjust and cruel 
of the earth and my love wither in contempt of 
brotherhood. Let me be thine and live to thee, 
though all else perishes, and teach me to seek 
and find thee in all experience. So let Christ be 
honored and his kingdom come, and all my trial, 
of adversity or of prosperity, serve his purposes. 
Amen. 

April 25 — God's Work With Man 

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same 
Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries and 
the same Lord. And there are diversities of workings, 
but the same God, who worketh all things in all. — 1 
Cor. 12 : 4. 

Thou that hidest thyself in light, God of all 
power, the indwelling Spirit of the universal frame, 
we thank Thee for thy Fatherhood which Christ 
has shown to men. Open thou our eyes that we 
may see thee as Light in all our thoughts of mystery, 
as Love in all our loves, as the Worker in our souls, 
ever desirous to perfect thine image in us by the 
teaching of thy Holy Spirit. Assure our hearts that 
Thou art ever ready to give thyself to us according 
to our need and that in seeking we shall find and in 
experience come to know thee. Let the heights and 
depths of thine infinitude assure us that there will 
be joy unceasing in our life with thee — the joy of 
ever-new discovery, of continual advance in knowl- 



92 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

edge and delight. So, in the wealth of thy great 
love, may our hearts be lifted up, that we may know 
the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. Amen. 



April 26 — For Laborers in God's Harvest 

Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy 
others, and sent them two and two before his face into 
every city and place, whither he himself was about to 
come. And he said unto them, The harvest indeed 
is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye 
therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth 
laborers into his harvest. — Luke 10 : 1. 

God, who hast so loved the world as to give 
thine only begotten Son for its redemption, send 
forth, we beseech thee, laborers into fields that are 
white for harvest. Raise up men full of thy Spirit, 
rich in knowledge of thy Word, strong in faith, 
loving the truth and peace. Make every Chris- 
tian a witnessing disciple. Send thou us, we pray; 
making us sharers of the harvest joy of Christ; 
giving us eyes to see and hearts to improve our daily 
opportunities. Let thy glory shine through faith- 
ful and contented lives and may we never be 
ashamed to confess the name of our Redeemer. 
Direct and sustain us in loving service, and help us 
by deeper consecration to overcome our selfishness 
in the use of holy things. So make our lives and 
words effectual for thy harvest work with souls, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 93 

April 27 — The Beauty of the World 

Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and 
thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures 
of the wilderness; and the hills are girded with joy. 
The pastures are clothed with flocks: the valleys also 
are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they 
also sing. — Psalm 65 : 11. 

God who hast made our world so beautiful 
and given us eyes to see and ears to hear ; let thy 
love teach our hearts to praise. As the leaves grow, 
which thou hast made for but a season's use, and 
the flowers spring up and give forth fragrance, 
though they are but for a day, let not the brief 
season and the passing of our lives rob them of 
their joy. We thank thee that thou art ever mind- 
ful of us and wilt not leave us to the power of death 
or let us pass into forgetfulness. So may we feel 
that we both live for thee and share thy pleasure in 
the beauty of the earth, and thy desire and purpose 
in our immortality. Teach us to lead such lives 
as shall be worthy of our place of pilgrimage, and 
of the great hopes of the life which we shall spend 
with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

April 28 — When Tides Are Out 

For though the fig tree shall not flourish, neither 
shall fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive shall 
fail, and the fields shall yield no meat. ... Yet 1 
will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my 
salvation. — Hab.p : 17. 

Thou hast sustained us hitherto ; uphold us still, 
Lord, in all the troubles of our lives and in joys 



94 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

that tempt us to forget thy presence. When 
troubles come and the tides run out and to our 
fainting hearts the ocean of thy merciful kindness 
seems out of reach, teach us the prophetic patience 
which looks in quiet faith for the return of joy and 
strength. Be thou in our deepest heart's experience, 
our Father, in discouraged days as well as when 
our desires are satisfied, in our labor as in our rest. 
We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for thy manifold 
gifts and blessings and thy continual guardian care 
and love. Help us not to fail thee in thy purpose 
for our life on earth, nor to miss our opportunity 
of helping others, in the name and for the sake of 
Christ. Amen. 

April 29 — The Water of Life 

Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy 
glory upon their children. And let the beauty of the 
Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work 
of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, 
establish thou it. — Psalm 90 : 16. 

Out of thy fulness, Lord, content our longing 
souls with good. Thou art the fountain whence 
all our satisfaction flows. Give us delights that 
shall not fail — streams of thy bounty and refresh- 
ing waters of thy love. Mingle thy blessing with 
every cup. Keep from our lips all poisonous 
draughts of sin; satisfy us early with thy mercy, 
and make thy joy our portion day and night. 
Transform our pleasures by thy presence. Scatter 
fear in confidence of love. Give strength in grief 
and uphold us in all needful cares of earth that our 
spirits may be unperturbed and our faith grow 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 95 

strong in experience of thy grace. Hast thou not 
called us to come and take of the water of life freely? 
In the name of Christ we come. Amen. 



April 30 — Postponements 

But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day 
is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand 
years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning 
his promise . . . but is long suffering to you-ward, 
not wishing that any should perish but that all should 
come to repentance. — 2 Pet. 3 : 8. 

Thou who art ever granting us gifts and de- 
lights and enriching life by thy presence and thy 
love, help us in all postponements and disappoint- 
ments which thy care decrees neither to judge 
wrongly of thy will to bless nor to be impatient 
because we cannot have desire fulfilled in present 
joy. Fix our hearts on thee and turn our wishes 
toward true and willing obedience to thy fatherly 
pleasure. Be thou to us, our Father, better than 
our thoughts of good and show us depths and 
heights yet undiscovered in thy mercy. Forget 
not our weakness and the tenderness of our hearts 
which thou thyself hast implanted. Be the steward 
rather than destroyer of our desires and in thine 
own good time fulfil them, according to the abun- 
dance of thy mercies and the wisdom of thy love. 
So may we learn to wait without impatience and to 
work in restfulness of heart. And may all our 
deepest wishes be summed up in the desire for the 
coming of God's kingdom and the honor of his 
name. Amen. 



96 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

May 1 — The Coming of the Spring 

For as the rain cometh down and the snow from 
heaven and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, 
and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed 
to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word 
be. ... — Is. 55 : 10. 

Thine are these gifts of joy and beauty in the 
opening year, Father of Life, in whom we live and 
love! Let the sunlight and the showers speak of 
thy bounty as the promise of thy care heartens the 
sower in his toil. We thank thee that thou hast 
laid up in store through wintry days the hidden 
strength which brought these leaves and early 
blossoms forth, that thou hast remembered and art 
ever with us, our life and our interpreter for all the 
life of earth. We bless thee that thou hast given us 
eyes for vision, ears for music, hearts to take delight 
in all the wonder of the passing days, faith to trust 
thee even in thy mysteries of sin and sorrow, war 
and suffering, fire and storm, earthquake and de- 
stroying wind. We give thee thanks for life with 
thee and for our joy of faith and love. Perfect 
thy thought concerning us and make us like thyself. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 



May 2 — The Considerate Heart 

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great 
is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him. 
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he re- 
moved our transgressions from us. Like as a father 
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fvar 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 97 

him. For he knoweth our frame; he remember eth that 
we are dust. — Psalm 103 : 11. 

Lord, of thy merciful kindness, teach us to be 
regardful and sympathetic toward our fellowmen. 
Let our courtesy be that of brothers who find some- 
thing of their father's character in all who belong to 
their father's house. Enable us to seek with pa- 
tience the reality of good behind each mask of 
haste or carelessness. Forgive us our sins of un- 
kindness, Thou long-suffering Lord, and hear us 
when we cry to thee to be delivered from the self- 
regarding impatience of our own hearts. By the 
example of our Lord Jesus, who when he was reviled, 
reviled not again, help us to strive for true humility 
and fellow-feeling toward all his brethren. And 
tame the madness of our tongues by the power of 
thy Holy Spirit, making our thoughts pure and our 
speech gracious. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

May 3 — Joy of Overcoming 

I write unto you, young men, because ye have over- 
come the evil one. . . . I have written unto you, young 
men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abidelh 
in you, and ye have overcome the evil one. — 1 John 
2 : 13. 

My Father, help me not to be troubled because 
thou hast suffered me to be often tried, perplexed, 
shut up to difficult choices, mistaken and defeated. 
I desire of thee and ask thee in the name of thy 
overcoming Son, our Lord Jesus, that I too in my 
life's day may have some joy of overcoming, that I 
may not come to my end defeated and disgraced 
at last, and that thou mayest not be ashamed when 



98 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

thou lookest on thy child. Though I understand 
not always the reason for my trials, help me con- 
fidently to believe in thy fatherly love and care. 
Oh, make them ever my assurance of final victory 
and enduring content! Let me not seek any lower 
grounds of confidence, but prove thee in courageous 
venturing from day to day, not fearing the power 
of evil, but following Christ with ready faith and 
love. Amen. 

May 4 — Power Through Fellowship 

Waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ: 
who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be 
unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the 
fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. — 1 Cor. 
1 :7. 

God our Helper, from whom cometh both our 
desire to seek thee and our satisfaction in the quest, 
teach us by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit to 
use the power which thou hast given us through our 
communion with thee, so that thy will may be done 
in our own hearts and, more and more, in the world 
where thou hast sent us forth as witnesses. Work 
within us, that thou mayest work through us and 
by our means, for the glory of thy name and the 
coming of thy kingdom. We thank thee for thy 
presence and the assurance that thou art ever ready 
to give us aid. While we are travelers in the 
changeful pilgrims' road, make us in our deepest 
heart's experience live at home with thee. And 
these things we asl^ of thee in the name of Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 99 

May 5 — The Touchstone of God's Presence 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good; 
abstain from every form of evil. And the God of peace 
himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit 
and sold and body be preserved entire, without blame 
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thess. 
5 :21. 

Lord, though I am fettered by a thousand things, 
which I plainly see are only good in thy companion- 
ship, help me to weigh and estimate my possessions 
and desires, so that I may cherish all that speak 
to me of thee. Blessed be thou, my Father, that 
the best and highest are never out of reach of the 
poorest man on earth. When I am drawn by this 
duty and by that, give me enlightenment, that I 
may see how they are related to thy righteousness. 
So let the desire to do thy will prove all experiences 
and keep my thoughts in harmony with thine, my 
Father and my Friend. Lord, thou thyself hast 
sent me on this pilgrimage, be ever with me as my 
guide. Where thou goest not suffer me not to go. 
And bring me to thy chosen end in peace through 
Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



May 6 — The Unf orgetting God 

But Zion saith, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the 
Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her 
sucking child, that she should not have compassion 
on the son of her womb? Yea, these may forget, yet 
will not I forget thee. Behold I have graven thee on 
the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually 
before me. — 7s. 49 : 14- 



100 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Father, who knowest our too easily discouraged 
thoughts, assure our hearts that we are neither for- 
gotten nor forsaken, but that thou art ever with us 
to uphold and aid. Make even our weakness effec- 
tive by thy strength and let thy work prosper in 
our hands. Give us the heavenly wisdom that 
attunes our thoughts to thine, turning adventures in 
thy service to joy of heart and purposes of good. 
We thank thee for our need of thee that purifies our 
thoughts and for the wonder and exultation of thy 
need of us. Keep us in faith and love, that we may 
abide continually in the heaven of thy presence. 
Show us thy will for daily work and joy, for the 
needs of thy kingdom and for the love we owe our 
brothers of the family of God. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

May 7 — For Friends 

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy 
may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, 
even as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man 
than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 
Ye are my friends if ye do the things I command you. — 
John 15 : 11. 

O Lord, our Guide, our Friend, our continual 
and unfailing Hope, we thank thee that thou hast 
given us the joy of human friendships and crowned 
our life with love. We commit to thee our friends 
and all the interests which are precious to our 
hearts, assured that what is rightly dear to us is 
also dear to thee, and that thou carest for the needs 
of all with power and knowledge far beyond our 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 101 

grasp or thought. For those with whom we live 
from day to day, that we may serve them with wise 
as well as deep affection; for the absent, that we 
may be constant in love and prayer, and yet not 
anxious, knowing that thy care is better than our 
gifts; for all whom we have offended or neglected 
or misunderstood; we ask thy blessing in the name 
of Christ the Saviour and the Friend of man. Amen. 



May 8 — Joy in Pilgrimage 

Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of 
my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, 
Lord, in the night and have observed thy law. This 
I have had, because I kept thy precepts. — Psalm 
119:54- 

Thou that givest good cheer, help us to sing 
for joy of heart in all the days of our pilgrimage. 
Lead us by thy Good Spirit through all perplexities 
and trials until the purpose of earth's life is ac- 
complished in us and thou bringest us to thy home 
on high with everlasting joy. Shine in our darkness 
with a light that grows as we draw near our home. 
Help us to keep a cheerful courage in trying experi- 
ences and to be full of cheer in the small annoyances 
and sufferings of ordinary days. May none think 
wrongly of the happiness of faith through our un- 
christian gloom or faithless despondency. And 
may we have grace to thank thee for the little 
pleasures and sustainings of our daily life. Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



102 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

May 9 — The Better Treasure 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant- 
man seeking goodly pearls : and having found one 
pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had 
and bought it. — Matt. 13 : 1+5. 

Thou who art the Source and Satisfaction of my 
heart and its chief good, let neither evil draw me 
away, nor the lesser joys of life hinder my joy in 
thee. Help me never to rest in a quick content 
which leads to poverty of soul, but to seek and find 
thee, who art not far from any one of us. Yet, 
Lord, since I for a little dwell at home among 
the little things of earth, grant me the experience of 
thy love even in these. May beauty and pleasure, 
and all the gifts that fill my hands speak to my 
heart of thy lovingkindness. Go thou with me 
wherever thou wilt have me go. So let me have eyes 
to see and wings of thought to rise into thy presence, 
hands to serve and feet to run at thy bidding; and 
may no gift of thine be spoiled in the experience of 
my soul by selfishness. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

May 10 — The Workers of the World 

Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor 
and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy 
strangers that are in thy land within thy gates. At 
his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the 
sun go down upon it. . . . When thou cuttest down 
thy harvest in thy field and hast forgot a sheaf . . . 
thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the 
stranger, for the fatherless and for the widow: that 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 103 

the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine 
hands. — Deut. 2If. : 14> 

Thou who givest to all their work, and yet 
callest them to lay it down for rest or for some new 
dut} r of patience in suffering or ministry to others, 
remember the needs of the workers of thy world. 
Provide refreshment, even in days of toil that are 
unrelieved and in ceaseless care for others. Make 
sleep full of peace and a flowing in of strength; 
and the coming of the da}^ of our Lord a reminder of 
the rest which he has promised under the yoke. 
Teach us to be just and patient and considerate in 
all we have to do with others. And make our 
work and patience effective in thy purpose for the 
good of the world and the coming of thy kingdom. 
Amen. 

May 11 — The Beauty of Holiness 

Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, 
a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, 
Ion g suffering ; forbearing one another, and forgiving 
each other, if any man have a complaint against any; 
even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above 
all these things put on love, which is the bond of 
perfectness. — Col. 3 : 12. 

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the beauty of holi- 
ness and the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Keep us 
from deceitfulness of wicked thoughts and all cruel- 
ties of unkind words and selfish deeds. Deliver us 
from all hardening of the heart and servitude to 
evil habits; that we may give a ready hearing to the 
teachings of thy Holy Spirit. If we have had any 
share in the wrongs that enslave and embitter 



104 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

men's hearts, enable us to repent and turn away, 
seeking to be just and faithful, following thy law of 
kindness and loving our neighbor as ourself . Bring 
in, Lord, thy kingdom of righteousness and peace 
when good men shall be strong and evil deeds shall 
no more stain the earth with blood and tears. 
Forgive us our transgressions, for Christ's sake, and 
make us thy faithful children in purity of heart and 
love. Amen. 

May 12 — Uneventful Days 

And let us not be weary in ivell-doing : for in due 
season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, while 
we have opportunity, let us work that which is good 
toward all men, and especially toward them that are of 
the household of faith. — Gal. 6 : 9. 

Lord, we thank thee that thou hast not despised 
our weakness, nor poured contempt, as the profane 
and heartless do, upon the unnoticed thoughts and 
works in which we spend our lives. We bless thee 
for our loving and exalted Christ, who served com- 
mon needs by daily toil, earning his bread in all 
simplicity and faithfulness. We thank thee that he 
took familiar things of meat and drink for symbols 
of the life he brought to men. Help us not to belittle 
the materials or the tools with which we work, but 
to find thy presence everywhere. As thou hast ac- 
cepted our devotion, abide with us by night and 
day. Enliven our drudgery by rest of heart in 
thee. Let the monotony of uneventful days be 
made ]oyiv\ through love and hope; that in the light 
of our cheerful hours men may find some glimpses 
of the glory of our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 105 

May 13 — Against Covetousness 

Arid he said unto them, Take heed and keep your- 
selves from all covetousness: for even in a man's abun- 
dance his life is not from the things which he pos- 
sessed. — Luke 12 : 15. 

Thou, true wealth of our souls, from whom com- 
eth every good and perfect gift, keep us, we pray 
thee, from the love of money and all the fruits of 
covetousness. We thank thee for supplies in time 
of need and for thy presence which has given them 
their deepest thought of joy. Provide things needful 
for us — daily bread, the health sufficient for our 
appointed tasks, peace of heart in resting time, the 
joy of friendship, food for thought, and thine own 
beauty all along the way. These be our wealth! 
thy gifts reminding us of thy great gift of Jesus 
Christ and thy provision for the life that is to be. 
Bind not our thoughts through our own selfishness 
to earth, but make us thy stewards here for blessing 
to our fellows. In the name of Christ, who gave his 
life a ransom for us all. Amen. 

May 14 — Going Forward 

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his 
name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of 
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art 
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — 
Psalm 23 : 8. 

Blessed be thou, our Father, who hast set the 
promise of thy changeless love amid the changes of 
our mortal years and hast made us heirs with Christ 
of the eternal hope! We glory in the manifested 



106 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

progress of thy kingdom. We bless thee for new 
opportunity and pledge of growth. May each day's 
experience bring us forward in the path by which 
thy Holy Spirit guides our feet. With true repent- 
ance and assurance of thy pardon and thy help, 
teach us to face the problems of the future with 
cheerful and obedient hearts. Let all experience 
and trial work together for our good, make us 
sharers of thy work, and rid us of all forebodings, 
that we may have more joy in service as we draw 
nearer home. And these great gifts we ask in the 
name of Christ whose kingdom is to come, for thy 
glory and the end of evil days. Amen. 

May 15 — The Bounty of the Earth 

/ will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall blossom as 
the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. . . . They 
that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall 
revive as the corn, and blossom as the vine. — Hos. 
14 : 5. 

We bless thee, God, for the beauty of the earth. 
May its delight of blossom and its promise of fruit- 
bearing lead our hearts in gratitude to thee. We 
thank thee that its throbbing life that climbs in 
every vein and spreads abroad in leaf and flower, 
its joy of the bird's song and the lamb's frisking and 
the herd's content, come of thy bounty. Help us to 
leave behind us every wintry doubt and fear and 
discontent, and, welcoming the life thy Spirit brings, 
to grow in Christ's likeness, as the trees grow each 
in the likeness of its own kind. We praise thee that 
we are thy children by thine own choice of father- 
hood. Give us a child's joy that we may enter in to 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 107 

thy content with the works which thou hast made. 
Prepare our hearts for fruit-bearing and may thy 
life within us grow ever strong and pure, rich with 
all hope, ready for every needed sacrifice, overflow- 
ing with thy peace through years of earth and all 
the glorious ages of the eternal life with thee. 
Through every gift that speaks to sense, fragrance 
and beauty and music, kindle our hearts to anticipa- 
tion of that home where thy presence shall be the 
secret of delight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

May 16 — The Listening Heart 

Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my com- 
fort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy 
tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy 
law is my delight. Let the proud be put to shame . . . 
but I will meditate on thy precepts. — Psalm 119 : 76. 

Speak to me, my Father, in the silence of my 
heart, that I may understand thy will. Teach me to 
listen for thy voice in the reproof of conscience and 
the warnings of experience. Let me not err by rea- 
son of self-will nor choose the path of fools, when 
thy way is made plain before my eyes. Spirit of the 
Living God, instruct and purify my conscience that 
it may become the fitting mouthpiece of thy holy 
thought of what my life may be. Let it speak for 
thee, God, claiming thy right amid the clamorous 
voices of desire. Let it demand justice toward men 
and lovingkindness, patience and hope. Help me 
to choose high ideals of purity and service, and make 
the heaven of thine own presence my ambition and 
desire. Amen. 



108 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

May 17 — Christ at the Door 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man 
hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, 
and will sup with him, and he with me. — Rev. 3 : 20. 

Who am I, Lord, that I should keep thee waiting 
at my door! Giver of joy and power, enter and rule 
and bring me present peace and hope of better days, 
and strengthen me for overcoming. Forgive the 
folly which has kept thee from thy chosen home. 
Oh, cleanse and help me, that I may make room 
enough and honor thee by purity of heart and love 
of God and man. Dispose of all my thoughts, my 
time, my pleasures and my studies as thou wilt, 
Friend and Guest. Help me to serve thee upon 
earth with the full purpose of my will and the deep 
current of my love. Enlarge the dwelling which 
thou hast chosen for thyself, that there may be room 
enough for all thy purposes. And set a guard at the 
doors, lest any evil enter and disturb thy stay. 
Amen. 

May 18 — The Sunlight of God's Presence 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 
coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can 
be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. 
— James 1 : 17. 

Thou Source of all our joys, our Father and our 
Strength, we would walk ever in the sunlight of thy 
presence. Give as thou wilt of the bounty of the 
world, but keep us from heart's dependence upon 
outward things. Teach us to find the best wherever 
thou shalt call, to love thy work in earth's beauty 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 109 

and the gracious lives of men, to be happy with a 
child's simplicity in little glad experiences. Not 
blindly would we go along the path of trials, not 
without feeling for the griefs of others, but give an 
overcoming joy that seeks to aid and looks to thee 
for courage to endure and yet rejoices. So may 
heaven's peace begin with the victorious cheerful- 
ness of earth. Shine thou on ordinary days and 
commonplace experiences, that they may be trans- 
formed and glorified. Teach us to sing for joy of 
heart and give us a great companionship of song. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 



May 19 — In Earth's Companionships 

He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, 
is in the darkness even until now. He that loveth his 
brother, abideth in the light and there is no occasion of 
stumbling in him. — 1 John 2:9. 

We thank thee, Lord, that thou art never far 
away, but ever ready to be found of those who seek 
thee. Help us to desire, and desiring to search for 
thee with all our hearts not merely in consecrated 
places or hallowed words, but in fellowship with 
others and our own experience of work and rest, of 
pleasure and of pain. thou who dwellest with 
men and art lovingly concerned with the needs and 
companionships of common life, let us not miss thee 
by dwelling aloof or despising others. For of thee 
alone is this hunger of heart which thou alone canst 
satisfy; and we would be well assured that thou 
desirest to speak through us to other men. Give us 
this divine fellowship of service, that in finding thee 



110 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

we may grow like thee. And may the desire of our 
Lord Jesus be fulfilled in our Christlike living hour 
by hour. Amen. 

May 20 — God's Glory in the Earth 

Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom 
hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. 
. . . Let the glory of the Lord endure forever; let the 
Lord rejoice in his works. — Psalm 104 •" ®4- 

Thou, who hast made the earth so fair and 
shaped our eyes that we might see its beauty and 
our ears that we might hear its melody, we thank 
thee for the gift of life and for thy presence that is 
life's abiding happiness and hope. Fix our hearts on 
heavenly things; but let us not despise the earth 
which thou hast made our dwelling place. In 
thy love let it be to us the house of God, the very 
gate of heaven. Let thy holy will be done in us from 
day to day. Help us to be patient in life's trials, 
strong in its temptations, immovable in faith and 
courage, ever looking for the tokens of thy presence 
and the hope of thine appearing. Be thou not far 
off, but near, thou our spirit's Life and Joy! 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

May 21 — The Training of God's School 

Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he in- 
struct sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in 
justice; and the meek will he teach his way. — Ps. 

25 : 8. 

We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast planned to 
train us in thy school. Give us good courage and 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 111 

endurance for all the trials and experiences our years 
may bring. Let neither fear nor trouble overwhelm 
our faith. Give us patience like thine own and lov- 
ing thoughts of others. May every trying day be 
met by new strength and each surprise of disap- 
pointment by fresh thoughts of thy love. Give us 
clear and steady eyes to see beyond our troubles the 
shining of thy eternal light and joy. Keep us from 
all weakness of despondency and arm us with the 
cheerful air of strength. And let us share thy tri- 
umph in the end. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



May 22 — The Land of Heart's Desire 

There is one body and one Spirit, even as also ye 
were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one 
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is 
over all, and through all and in all. — Eph. 4 •' 4- 

Thou light and life of every heart, helper of men 
and joy of even shadowed days, with simple faith 
and love we open our hearts to thy coming and pray 
thee to abide with us and make us worthy of thy 
presence and thy power. Cast out all thoughts of 
evil and bring us by thy Spirit's teaching ever new 
and joyful thoughts of good. By thy presence bring 
us into closer brotherhood with thy saints in heaven 
and earth. Enlarge our sympathies until we love 
all that thou lovest. Make clear our vision, that we 
may learn to choose and distinguish between good 
and evil, between the better and the best. And 
may the hope thou bringest shine like the clearness of 
the dawn with promise of thy perfect day. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



112 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

May 23 — Intercession for Friends 

A friend loveth at all times; and a brother is born 
for adversity. — Prov. 17 : 17. 

This is my commandment, That ye love one another , 
as I have loved you. — John 15 : 12. 

We thank thee, Lord, for thy friendship wiser than 
our own, thy deeper love, thy power that reaches 
where our weakness fails. Into thy hands we have 
committed ourselves through Jesus Christ who loves 
us; help us also to commit to thee our friends in full 
assurance of thy love and care. Give them what we 
fain would give and more than we know how to ask. 
Give in thine own time and way, nor let us chafe 
and fret if thy gifts for the moment appear small 
and grudging to our blind eyes and feeble faith. 
Help us to endure this final test of love that trusts 
thee with what is dearer than ourselves. And 
though they suffer and we suffer with them, may 
our hearts beneath the suffering be at peace because 
we know and trust thy love. For the sake of Jesus 
Christ, our Elder Brother and our everlasting 
Friend. Amen. 

May 24 — Our Father's Love 

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love 
me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, 
and we will come unto him and make our abode with 
him. — John 14 : 23. 

Thou, Lord, who art ever the Father of all the 
children of men, seeking their good and desiring to 
have them enter into their inheritance of filial love 
and quiet faith, enable us to learn the meaning of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 113 

this fatherly love of thine by the experiences of 
brotherly consideration and kindness. Help us 
to love our neighbor as ourself, ministering to others 
as thou gives t opportunity, not for self-praise, but 
because thy love must overflow through us to 
serve our brothers. Keep us from the pride that 
scorns the least of all thy children, from the folly of 
isolation, the madness of hate. Reveal thyself 
to us through thy trust in man as well as by the 
glory of the love of Jesus, who gave himself to death 
that we might live in him. Overcome our social 
follies and injustices and give us a heart to do to 
others as we would that they should do to us. And 
let thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 



May 25 — The Portion of Life's Gifts 

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they 
toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, that 
even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like 
one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the 
field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the 
oven, shall he not much more clothe you, ye of little 
faith f — Matt. 6 : 28. 

Thou who art more wonderful than all thy works 
and than all the arts of man, help us to learn the 
true proportion of value in life's gifts and, by thy 
help, to lay hold on the eternal treasures. So may 
our hearts be cleared of vanities and follies that 
we may serve thee in thy kingdom with faithful 
love in word and deed. Help us to distinguish 
between the important and the unimportant mat- 



114 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

ters of our faith and life, to be indifferent toward the 
trifling things about which other men disturb them- 
selves and to give our full and heartfelt attention 
to the greater things of life and faith, so enlarging 
brotherhood with men and guarding our souls from 
fear and anger. Thou who hast planted a root of 
kindness in our hearts, nourish and make it grow 
by the continual tendance of thy Holy Spirit. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



May 26 — God our Rest 

Why art thou cast down, my soulf And why 
art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; 
for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my 
countenance and my God. — Psalm 42 : 11. 

To Thee, O Lord, we turn from the restlessness 
of earth and the often weary days; for thou hast 
called us and in thee we find our rest. O Thou, 
true home of souls which thou thyself hast made, we 
bless thee for the refuge of thy might, the welcome 
of thy love, the peace which fills our restless hearts 
when we confide in thee. Thou Friend of all and 
Father of our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, through 
thy lovingkindness make us strong in faith and 
clear in hope. Hasten, we pray thee, the coming of 
thy kingdom and the universal honor of thy name. 
Thou, most patient! so uphold and strengthen us 
that we may do thy will and look for the fulfilment 
of thy purpose with undaunted hope. In thee 
abiding, may thy joy have room and way, that we 
may bear true witness to the gladness of our life 
with thee. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 115 

May 27 — Life that Endures 

For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face 
to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know 
fully even as also I am known. But now abideth 
faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of 
these is love. — 1 Cor. 13 : 12. 

We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast called 
us to be sharers in the enduring life with Christ. 
Help us to use gifts and delights of earth as those who 
are not dependent on them, having a deeper source 
of joy in thy presence and the work thou hast given 
us to do. Teach us the worth, and worthlessness, 
of all that passes with this life of earth. When 
thou shakest the foundations of man's security, 
may our hearts remain at rest in thee. We thank 
thee for the things that remain — for love that out- 
lives the world's overturnings; for the fellowship of 
believers; for work on which thou hast set the seal 
of thine approval; for the life that is hid with Christ 
in thee. Assure our faith and rid us of the fear of 
death and change, through Christ who has revealed 
thee to our longing and expectant hearts. Amen. 

May 28 — For the Home 

And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask 
a loaf, and he give him a stone? . . . If ye then, being 
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, 
how much more shall your heavenly Father give the 
Holy Spirit to them that ask himf — Luke 11 : 11. 

Thou Father of our spirits, who hast given us the 
joys of home, make one with us, we pray thee, in 
our life from day to day. Let reverence and love 



116 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

abide and childlike faith keep our hearts at rest in 
thee. May we show honor and kindness, looking 
each one on the needs of others as well as on our 
own desires. Where we touch the world without, 
may the light of our home peace and joy be seen. 
When we go forth, help us to remember that all the 
earth is thy house and all men our brothers of the 
glorious life. When we return, enable us to leave 
cares and perplexities behind us. Quicken our 
affections that they may grow like thy infinite, 
patient and unfailing love. Deepen our experience 
that we may bring richer treasures to the common- 
wealth of home. Lighten all burdens of our work 
by remembrance of thy sympathy. Sustain us in 
weakness, and comfort our hearts in the inevitable 
griefs of earth. So make us true and loving follow- 
ers of our Lord Jesus and heirs with him of the 
eternal home. Amen. 

May 29 — The Place of Quietude 

Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon 
us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart . . . in 
peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for thou, 
Lord, alone makest me dwell in safety. — Ps. 4- -6. 

God, our satisfaction and our home, to thee we 
run for strength when the powers of the ever-present 
world are upon us and our hearts weary and grow 
faint. Teach us so to live in the remembrance of 
thy presence that all the troubled world shall be 
overshadowed by the beauty of thy holiness. Give 
us hours of dear and intimate communion, when we 
may rest our souls on thee and be at peace. From 
the tumult of the street and the legioned hosts of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 117 

crowding thoughts and fears we turn to thy place of 
quietude in our own hearts to find ourselves at 
home. Fulfil our hopes in thine own time, accord- 
ing to thy word. Let thoughts of thy merciful 
kindness begin our day. Remember us when in the 
multitude of our occupations we are tempted to 
forget thee. Grant us thy peace at eventide. 
Show us deeper meanings in thy word. Give broader 
vision and make us more helpful for thy work with 
men. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

May 30 — Memorial Day 

What great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh 
unto them, as the Lord our God is whensoever we call 
upon himf And what great nation is there that hath 
statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law 
which I set before you this day? Only take heed to 
thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget 
the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart 
from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them 
known unto thy children and thy children's children. — 
Deut. 4 : 7. 

God of all the nations of the earth, who hast 
planted in our hearts the love of our own land, hear 
our petitions for her righteousness and strength. 
We come to thee in grateful remembrance of those 
who have served her need in times of trial, and 
especially of those who gave their lives to guard and 
save. May the example of their heroic courage and 
endurance animate our souls in each new call to 
service. Help us with like devotion to hold our- 
selves prepared to do our part in working or in 
giving for the common good. Give strength and 



118 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

confidence to our soldiers and sailors, remember all 
helpers of the wounded or the suffering, all who work 
for the nation's need on land or sea. Give wisdom 
to our counsellors, skill to our leaders, and so over- 
rule in the affairs of this troubled world that he 
whose right it is may reign in the hearts and lives of 
the obedient peoples. And to thee, Lord of 
Hosts, Giver of good, and Judge of all the earth, who 
hast planted and sustained us, and hast raised up 
help in every time of trouble, be praise and honor 
evermore! Amen. 

May 31 — For God's Harvesters 

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly 
is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye 
therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth 
laborers into his harvest. — Matt. 9 : 37. 

God, our Father, whose are all souls of men 
upon the earth and who hast revealed to us thy love 
in Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, send forth, 
we beseech thee, laborers into the fields that ripen 
for the harvest. Send by whom thou wilt send, 
but leave not those who need and those who long 
for thee in ignorance and fear. Engage our hearts 
and wills in this endeavor and make us sharers of 
thy work and joy. May we never fail thee through 
sloth or covetousness, but enable us to do that part 
of the work to which thou hast called us. Bless 
thou and keep thy workers everywhere in joyful 
faith and expectation of the coming of thy kingdom. 
Uphold them in trials as thou didst thy servants of 
old. Pour out upon them a full measure of thy 
power and let not thy word which they have spoken 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 119 

return unto thee void. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

June 1 — Along the Pilgrim Way 

I will make mention of the lovingkindness of the 
Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that 
the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness 
toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on 
them according to his mercies, and according to the 
multitude of his lovingkindnesses. — Is. 63 : 7. 

Thou Giver of life and enricher of all experience, 
we thank thee from full hearts for the blessings 
thou hast scattered all along our pilgrim way. 
As the goal is thine, so let every step of progress 
know the joy of thy provision and companionship. 
We thank thee that yesterday and tomorrow are in 
thy keeping; help us to make a wise and cheerful 
use of opportunities today. We bless thee for thy 
continual remembrance, not only of our necessities, 
but also of our comforts and delights. Keep us 
from postponements which impoverish the soul and 
from despising little things of which our life is made. 
Teach us to seek thy deeper meaning in them. Feed 
our souls, even from common tables, with the bread 
of God. And may thy will be done in us in every- 
day faith and obedience, to the honor of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

June 2 — The Highest Good 

It is of the Lord's lovingkindnesses that we are not 
consumed, because his compassions fail not. They 
are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 



120 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I 
hope in him. — Lam. 8 : 22. 

Thou who art for all the best life has to offer, 
since thou offerest thyself to all as Father and as 
friend, let no weakness of desire for lesser good keep 
us from taking thee as our soul's true hope and 
portion. Come, dwell in us, by thy Holy Spirit; 
according to the promise of our Saviour, Jesus 
Christ. Remake our thoughts and lives according 
to thy wisdom and thy mercy toward us. Let thy 
presence and thy glory transform all we have and 
seek, that we may see it in true proportion, with a 
just sense of thy lovingkindness toward us and a 
pure desire to be helpful to our brothers and to 
grow like thee in joy and love. And this we ask in 
the name of thy Son, who gave himself that we 
might know and serve thee evermore with joy and 
gladness. Amen. 

June 3 — God's Witness in the Earth 

And the Lord God planted a garden . . . and there 
he put the man whom he had formed. And out of 
the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that 
is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. . . . And a 
river went out of Eden to water the garden. . . . And 
they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the 
garden. — Gen. 2 : 8. 

Most Holy and Ever-Blessed Father, may the 
wonder of the earth which thou hast made our 
dwelling-place speak to our hearts in witness of 
thy beauty and thy love. Let springing grass 
and opening flowers remind us of the new life which 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 121 

is ours through the resurrection of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Let the heavens declare thy 
glory. By thee all the trees of the wood grow to 
their strength and the flowers of the field perfect 
their beauty. Let us share thy pleasure in the song 
of birds, the murmur of waters that lie as in the 
hollow of thy hand; the children's laughter and 
the song of happy hearts. Interpret for us all this 
joyful life, and all the storms and desolations of the 
earth, as parts of one great plan wherein thou work- 
est righteousness. Attune our hearts to notes of 
praise and make us glad upon the earth until thou 
bringest us to perfect and unshadowed joy where we 
shall see thee without sin or care. Amen. 



June 4 — Growing in God's Kingdom 

Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things before- 
hand, beware lest . . . ye fall from your own stead- 
fastness. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory 
both now and forever. — 2 Pet. 3 : 17. 

We thank thee, Father, for our Lord's parable 
which teaches us that the progress of thy kingdom is 
like the springing of the seed and the growth of the 
tree. So bring our hearts to know that it is ours 
to prepare for enlargement in faith and loyalty, by 
work and prayer, while thou bringest our life to its 
harvest. Help us to do our part in freedom from 
all anxiety, but in watchfulness against the power of 
temptation and the hurt of inattention, looking for 
the increase thou hast appointed us when the reaping 
time is come. In the enlargement of our hearts 



122 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

through earth's experience add grace upon grace and 
strength to strength all the days of our pilgrimage. 
And forgive our failures for the sake of Christ who 
gave himself for us . Amen . 

June 5 — Individuality 

Lord, thou hast searched me and known me, thou 
knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou 
understandest my thought afar off. . . . For there is 
not a word in my tongue, but lo, Lord, thou knowest 
it altogether. — Psalm 139 : 1. 

Almighty and All-seeing God, who hast given to 
every man his different life, yet holdest thyself near 
to all in mercy and in love, so teach me to use earth's 
gifts that I may fulfil thy thought of my true 
growth and work. Keep me from wasting strength 
in vain desires, or turning from my own appointed 
way to follow fashions other men have set. Let 
me not be envious of gifts thou hast denied, nor let 
me seek my happiness in work to which I have no 
call. Satisfy my heart with thy presence, make me 
glad in the work thou gives t. Let me serve my 
brothers and look for the kingdom of thy Son. 
And to thy name be praise for life with all its powers 
and joys, for thy love that constrains thy children, 
thy rest that remaineth for the people of God! In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 

June 6 — Assurance through Faith 

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with 
truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteous- 
ness, and having shod your feet with the preparation 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 123 

of the good tidings of peace; withal taking up the 
shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench 
all the fiery darts of the evil one. — Eph. 6 : 14- 

Thou, who by gift of thine own life hast made our 
life a thing of worth, Joy of good days and Help in 
all times of grief and fear; so rule in our too often 
anxious hearts that weakness may give place to 
strength and fear of death may have no more 
dominion over us. To thee, Christ, hath the 
Father given power to rule and judge, come thou 
to help and save. Thou hast not willed our freedom 
from earth's trials; give us, therefore, the assurance 
of a childlike faith that rests and labors and is con- 
tent even in the midst of sorrows and perplexities, 
and the forward look that sees thy loving purpose 
even in our pain. Be thou the restorer of all 
losses, the teacher of all good, the consoler of all 
troubled hearts, our life's true pattern and the glory 
of our strength . Amen . 

June 7 — As a Little Child 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this 
is right. . . . And ye fathers, provoke not your chil- 
dren to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and 
admonition of the Lord. — Eph. 6:1. 

We thank thee, Father, for the love and care 
that made our childhood safe and joyful, a school of 
wholesome living and serviceable powers. We 
praise thee for teaching that has come out of the 
lives of children, for their affection, direct sim- 
plicity of thought and their forgiveness of our im- 
patient ways and words. With joy we bring thee 
our thanksgivings that our Lord Jesus Christ came 



124 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

as a child and learned his first lessons at his mother's 
knee. May his infancy be our teacher and his 
reverence for childhood our example. In thy mercy 
suffer us not to put a stumbling-block in the path 
of any of thy little ones, but by honest and good 
hearts enable us to lead the way in all simplicity of 
faith. So build thy kingdom, Lord, securely in the 
hearts of those that love thee and let our earth be 
still thy nursery of saints and heroes. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

June 8 — Charitable Judgments 

So then each of us shall give account of himself to 
God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: 
but judge ye this rather , that no man put a stumbling- 
block in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling. — 
Rom. 14 : 12. 

God, our Heavenly Father, who hast been ever 
merciful toward us, slow to judge and swift to spare, 
help us to incline toward charity in all thoughts 
about our fellow men, remembering our Lord's 
commandment that we judge not. Teach us to 
estimate aright our own need of just and lenient 
dealings with our poor efforts to be like our Lord in 
truth and kindness. Leave us not to ourselves in 
the hour of our temptation, but enable us to re- 
member that we are all members one of another 
and responsible to one just and faithful Lord, who 
for our sakes gave his only begotten Son for us 
sinners that we might live through him. Make us 
like thyself in patience, hoping ever for the triumph 
of all good in the hearts of others and ready to wait 
for every sign of its appearing. And this we ask in 
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 125 

June 9 — The Disappointed 

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; 
they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, 
their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the 
Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out' of 
their distresses. And he led them forth by the right 
way, that they might go to a city of habitation. — 
Psalm 107 : 4. 

Our hearts go out to thee, Lord, for those who 
have failed to find their true place in the world and 
the work which they can do in quietness and confi- 
dence of heart. Have mercy upon them and deliver 
them. Keep them in the hour when they are out of 
hope and when temptation comes upon them. And 
remember the dependent ones in love, Father, as 
thy children in earth's need. Teach us, as becometh 
our remembrance of thy patient and considerate 
love, a deeper thoughtfulness and sympathy with 
the troubled of the world. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

June 10 — A Joy Above Complaining 

And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see 
you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy 
no one taketh away from you. . . . Hitherto ye have 
asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, 
that your joy may be made full. — John 16 : 22. 

Thou who hast brought hope into our mortal life 
by the assurance of our Lord's rising again as the 
first-fruits of his brethren, help us to be more 
worthy of our immortality. Give us courage for 
all experiences, and suffer us not to be so tamely 



126 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

subject to the vexations of these passing days. 
Spirit of God, by whom we live, keep us ever in a 
joy above complainings. Let us not murmur when 
the way is hard, but rather with all gratitude re- 
member that it is the way and thou our Guide. 
Help us to draw from deeper wells, that we may 
taste refreshment of the living water. Make all our 
days thy care and be thou in all our confidence an 
inward peace. Richly hast thou endowed us; give 
us grateful and expectant hearts to find thee every- 
where. Thou, our Rest! let no disturbing or un- 
restful word find outlet through the door of our 
lips; but make us always bringers of good cheer, to 
the glory of Christ. Amen. 

June 11 — In Silent Hours 

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in 
the daytime; and in the night his song shall be with 
me, even a prayer unto the God of my life. — Psalm 
42 : 8. 

Speak to my heart, my Father, in the still hours 
when I remain alone with thee. In my first waking 
thoughts, in musings when I lay me down in peace 
-to sleep, in the night watches when the noises of 
this world are hushed, in all quiet moments of my 
busy days, reveal thyself to me, my Life, my Light, 
my Joy! When the cares of life weigh heavily upon 
me, remind me of thy loving care that never over- 
looks my need. When the trials of life fill my soul 
with perplexity and tempt me to foreboding, teach 
me the simplicity of faith. So by thy presence and 
provision make me ever patient to endure and strong 
to work for thee. And may these times of happy 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 127 

meditation and sweet communion be the hidden joy 
of life. Amen. 

June 12 — A Thanksgiving 

come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joy- 
ful noise to the rock of our salvation. . . . For he is 
our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and 
the sheep of his hand. — Psalm 95 : 1. 

Thou hast dealt bountifully with us, God, and 
our hearts return to thee in gratitude for all thy 
lovingkindness. We thank thee for unexpected 
mercies, like sunlight through the cloud; and the 
common, daily blessings that require our praise. 
Praise be unto thee, our Father, that thou art ever 
with us and that we are not left without a refuge for 
our heart's desire of home and love. For our 
spread table and secure repose; for peace and 
strength and hope; for comfort in distress and 
courage to venture and to overcome; for the fellow- 
ships of home and work, the opportunities of 
knowledge and the beauty of the earth; for thy call 
to service and the great example of our Lord, we 
bring our glad thanksgiving. Help us to live as 
becometh thy dear children and give us a part in t\\y 
great work. Amen. 

June 13 — The Greater Hope 

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and 
the love which ye showed toward his name. . . . And 
we desire that each one of you may show the same 
diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: 
that ye be not sluggish but imitators of them who 



128 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

through faith and patience inherit the promises. — 
Heb. 6 : 10. 

We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast not 
suffered our hearts to decline upon little hopes, but 
hast set before us the following of our great Lord and 
the bringing in of thine eternal kingdom. Help 
us to set our aims and aspirations high, yes, even on 
the level of thy just and loving will for all men and 
for us. Sustain us in the twilight hours of faith and 
in the times of weariness when we are tempted to 
forget thy presence and to forfeit our privilege of 
communion with thee. Send thy Holy Spirit to 
uphold our hearts in faith and love. Though we 
have no map of the road by which thou leadest us, 
may we never for a moment doubt that if we follow 
on we shall arrive. And to thy name be praise 
through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



June 14 — The Light of Life 

But as for me, in the Lord will I keep watch; I 
will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will 
hear me. Rejoice not against me y mine enemy: 
when I fall I shall arise; when I sit in darkness the 
Lord will be a light unto me. — Micah 7 : 7. 

Thou art our light, God, let us not turn away 
from thee to walk in darkness. Remember our 
childishness and deliver us from the evil which 
hardens men's heart and blinds their eyes. Keep our 
feet from snares and our lips from folly. Grant 
us to live before thee in sincerity of obedience, that 
we may be thy children in desire and hope, looking 
for the manifestation of Christ and the perfecting 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 129 

of thy purpose. Have pity upon those who have 
left the way and stumble in the darkness. Let thy 
love follow and thy mercy lead them. Bring us all 
to helpful knowledge of thy will and warm desire for 
the coming of thy kingdom. Let thy light shine in 
us, that the shadows may depart; and through 
us for the help of others. And to thy name be 
praise. Amen. 

June 15 — Living Abundantly 

Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to 
make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these 
things ye shall never stumble; for thus shall be richly 
supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal King- 
dom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. — 2 Pet. 
1 :10. 

Lord, I desire to live and love abundantly, ac- 
cording to thy word. Keep me, I pray thee, from 
poverty of heart. Give me wide interests and ab- 
sorbing purposes and affections. Yet, because I 
know so little of the values of what earth gives and 
am so weak of thought and will, and that which I 
have treasured thou mayest count of little worth, 
give me better, and more lasting treasures. When 
thou takest from me, add of thy pure grace and love 
what thou approvest that I may never be left 
empty and ashamed. Let good replace the evil 
and the better the good. Thou who art best, be 
thou the best in all I have. Give me courage to 
act joyfully on this belief, letting go that which 
hinders, denying evil affections that I may love thee 
with all my heart, and finding thee in all my friend- 
ships and affections. This I ask in the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



130 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

June 16 — Our Leader 

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of 
sin: And the bondservant abideth not in the house 
forever; the son abideth for ever. If therefore the 
Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. — 
John S : 34. 

Spirit of the living God, our guide and teacher in 
the ways of uprightness, help us to prepare our 
hearts for great temptations in little habits of true 
living and a constant, cheerful watchfulness against 
the evil that is in the world. Establish our souls 
in righteousness, so that we shall without conscious 
thought accept and follow good and turn aside from 
evil. Let not sin have dominion over us or the 
light that is in us be brought to darkness. But 
shine Thou, true Light of all men, in our most 
unconsidered acts and words that we may be wholly 
penetrated and illuminated by thy grace and fitted 
more and more for the freedom of the unclouded 
presence of God, where no sin is, nor any hate or 
shame. And this we ask of thee in the name of 
Christ who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen. 

June 17 — A Willing Service 

But now complete the doing also; that as there was 
a readiness to will, so there may be the completion 
also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, 
it is acceptable according as a man hath, and not ac^ 
cording as he hath not. — 2 Cor. 8 : 11. 

Lord, when we hear thy call give us courage to 
choose our part with thee and to offer ourselves 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 131 

willingly for thy service. Let us not lie to our 
own hearts about the work to which thou hast sum- 
moned us, as if the way w r ere easy that leads to con- 
quest over evil in the world and over the tempta- 
tions in our own soul's experience. Oh, write it on 
our hearts that now is the day of salvation, that we 
may wx>rk the works to w^hich thou hast called us 
while it is day and that thy honor may be known in 
us by our venturing forth and our unwearied en- 
durance. In his name. Amen. 

June 18 — For Overcoming Grace 

And he hath said unto me: My grace is sufficient 
for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. 
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weak- 
nesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. — 
2 Cor. 12 : 9. 

Friend and Helper of my soul, whose love each 
new day of my want and thy supply confirms, thy 
presence is my joy, thy promise is my hope, thy 
life the full assurance of eternal life. With hearty 
and unfeigned repentance, most of all that by 
transgression I have grieved thy patient love, I 
ask forgiveness of my sin. loving Friend, let 
me not think or speak that which can bring dis- 
honor to thy name. I bless thee for thy trust which 
sends me forth amid the cares and trials of this 
present evil world and for the help that fails not in 
my need. Teach me to overcome. Aid me in work 
which is both thine and mine. Reveal thyself more 
clearly to my longing heart, for thine is the call 
which I have heard and thine shall be my love for- 
e verm ore. Amen. 



132 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

June 19 — Joy in God 

Thy righteousness also, God, is very high; thou 
who hast done great things, God, who is like unto thee? 
. . . My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises 
unto thee; and my soul which thou hast redeemed. — 
Psalm 71 :19. 

Lord, be thou alone the true and deepest joy of 
my heart; not thy gifts, not even what I do and 
learn by thine assistance. Let thy companionship 
be rest of spirit, savor of delight, compensation for 
all grief and loss, the lasting zest of friendship, 
refuge in perplexity, reproof and uplifting when I 
fall. I thank thee for this treasure of continual 
cheer, this light of thy presence, which none can 
dim or quench. Yet, Lord, though I have been so 
much with thee, let me not forget to learn 
watchfulness from the dark hours when my neglects 
have been as clouds to hide thy face. Help me to 
purity of heart, that I may be of those who see thee. 
Help me to the love which finds delight in service, 
that I may be like thee, who gavest thy Son for the 
world's need. And lead thou me through glad and 
helpful days on earth to clearer vision and life un- 
marred by sin . Amen . 

June 20 — Growth in Grace 

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all 
things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from 
whom all the body fitly framed and knit together 
through that which every joint supplieth, according 
to the working in due measure of each several part, 
maketh the increase of the body unto the building up 
of itself in love. — Eph. 4 : 15. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 133 

Lord Jesus Christ, whose love has called us out of 
sin to the experiment of faith, so control and direct 
our wills by the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit that 
we may speedily attain to full assurance, without 
backsliding and without discouragement. Reveal 
thyself to us, for it is thee we crave, to be our joy, 
our peace, our loving friend, our revelation of the 
Father. Give us patience, knowing that thy work 
within our hearts must grow from less to more; 
and strengthen us in hours of weakness with up- 
holding of thy love. By thy word, through service 
in thy name to other men, in meditation and con- 
stant readiness of will, speak to our hearts, Liv- 
ing Christ of God! So may all our doubts be 
swallowed up in adoration and all fears cast out by 
perfect love. Amen. 

June 21 — From Generation to Generation 

Attend unto me, my people; and give ear to me, 
my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I 
will establish my justice for a light of the peoples . . . 
my salvation shall be for ever, and my salvation unto 
all generations. — Is. 51 : /+. 

Lord, whose mercies are from everlasting, we 
thank thee that from generation to generation thou 
hast been our fathers' God. We bless thee for 
their labors in the ended years and for the light of 
hope above the path in which our children walk. 
Help us to live before thee in serenity of faith. 
Teach and enable us to serve our generation day by 
day with cheerful patience and considerate love. 
Come thou and rule in church and state, in home and 
heart, changing our selfishness to service and our 



134 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

doubt to praise. Reveal thyself in the events and 
changes of the passing days. Remove all hindrances 
and make the witness of thy church effective for the 
coming of thy kingdom and the glory of thy name. 
Bring in the age of peace and fill the whole earth 
with the knowledge of the Lord Christ. Amen. 



June 22 — The Heavenly Friend 

And hereby know we that we know him, if we keep 
his commandments . . . whoso keepeth his word, in 
him verily hath the love of God been perfected. . . . 
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to 
walk even as he walked. — 1 John 2 : 3. 

Heavenly Friend, whose love disdained not 
mortal life and death, we bless thee for the grace of 
every day's companionship with thee, for thy 
patience and compassion which can never fail, and 
that thou hast set before us the hope and glory of 
thine own eternal life. Deal gently with us, 
most loving Guest and Friend, cleansing our troubled 
hearts that we may grow like thee. Reprove and 
purge our faults that we may overcome them by 
thine aid. Teach us to bring forth fruit in righteous- 
ness. Give us the joy of fellowship with thee in 
work. When sorrows and perplexities surround our 
path may our souls abide in the secret of thy pres- 
ence and share the perfect peace of those whose 
hearts are stayed on thee. Keep us from every 
idle thought and foolish word. Confirm in us all 
pure desires and holy ambitions by thy loving care, 
and shine through us for helpful light on other lives. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 135 

June 23 — A Thanksgiving 

give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his 
lovingkindness endureth forever. . . . The Lord is 
my strength and song; and he is become my salvation. — 
Psalm 118 : 1. 

We praise thee, God, the Father and Helper of 
all the sons of men, who hast redeemed us and made 
our hearts glad in thy presence. Every day thou 
hast enriched us with blessing and spoken to our 
hearts in love. Thou hast turned sorrow into joy 
and made thy light to shine out of the clouds of our 
foreboding. The peace of our dwelling has been 
thy peace and thou hast spread a table before us. 
Thou hast been ever of our company in friendship 
and in jo}^. By thy strength we have labored and 
thou hast given us rest and refreshment. Have 
pity, God, upon the poor and troubled of the earth 
and sustain the oppressed, giving them release and 
cheer. Help us to receive thy gifts with gratitude 
and to show our love by service. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



June 24 — The Divine Presence 

Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, 
and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is 
with him, and his recompense before him. He will 
feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs 
in his arms and carry them in his bosom, and will 
gently lead those that have their young. — Is. 4-0 : 10. 

Come, Spirit of the Living God, to our unrestful 
spirits with thy rest. Pardon our transgressions, 
that with pure conscience and right desire we may 



136 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

do thy work upon the earth. Increase in us pa- 
tience and faith. Help us to be content with thine 
appointments for our present life and to glory in 
thy promise for the life to come. Open our eyes to 
behold the tokens of thy presence in the beauty of 
the earth and in the lives of men. Forbid our hearts 
to hate, but quicken in us, more and more, long- 
suffering and unenvying love. To thee would we 
return in every grief. Hold us forever in thy care, 
God, and give us ready hearts to meet thee as 
thou comest to bring God's kingdom in and show 
its power to men. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

June 25 — Improving the Time 

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, 
not as in my presence only, but now much more in 
my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and 
trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to 
will and to work for his good pleasure. — Phil. 
2 : 12. 

Let this day, our God, even this day which we 
are tempted to waste or to misuse, be shown us as 
our day of opportunity and thy day of power. 
Open our ears to thy call and give us strength and 
courage to enter in to our inheritance of service and 
of joy. Keep us from all indecision and delay; 
from languor, which saps the strength of the soul, and 
self-conceit which is as blindness to the eyes and 
palsy to the hands. If we have forgotten thee, 
awake our memory to life, lest we should waste our 
time in listlessness or lay up bitter recollections for 
the years to come. Show us that this is thy great 
day — the only day — of our repentance and our 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 137 

faith, of work and patience, of thy help and blessing, 
the appointed day of courage and of joy for such as 
trust in thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



June 26 — The Little and the Great 

And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he 
that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and 
the deceitfulness of riches, choke the ivord, and he 
becometh unfruitful — Matt. 13 : 22. 

Lord, of thy merciful kindness, teach me to dis- 
tinguish between the little and the great. Let me 
not be deceived by misty and unreal appearances or 
led from the true way by clamor of deceiving 
tongues. May love and duty, courage and childlike 
faith, seem always high and wonderful to my soul, 
and help me to understand that thou hast given me 
these little tasks to carry through for thee. Let 
thy light shine upon drudgery that it may always 
appear related to the coming of thy kingdom. 
Lighten my responsibilities with assurance of thy 
presence and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, 
and so lead me through the troubled days of this 
life that I may have some work to do for thee here- 
after. And this I ask in the name of the loving and 
faithful Lord Jesus, in whom I know thee and thy 
Fatherhood. Amen. 



June 27 — Friendship 

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany. 
. . . The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, 
behold he whom thou lovest is sick. . . . Now Jesus 



138 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. . . . Jesus 
wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved 
him ! — John 11 : 1 . 

Lord, thou hast given me a friend, teach me to be 
worthy of thy gift and of his love and faith. Show 
me how to bear myself in his presence and how to 
think of him in absence. Let me have the joy of 
serving him in great or little things. Make one in 
our communion, and when we part help me to leave 
him to thy care with quietness of heart. Give him 
mercies according to thy wisdom and his own desire 
and help me to put away all selfishness in my wish to 
bless his life. Let our friendship grow from experi- 
ence to experience. May we meet in the higher 
regions of our thought and have continual delight 
in common thoughts of good. I thank thee for the 
myriad friendships of mankind and would ever 
count mine richer because it joins me in the brother- 
hood of man. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



June 28 — Cheerful Courage 

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have 
and give alms; make for yourselves purses which 
wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. 
. . . For where your treasure is, there will your heart 
be also. — Luke 12 : 32. 

In thee do we put our trust, Thou most merciful ! 
and from the fountain of thy life we would look for 
blessing evermore. Endue us with a cheerful 
courage. Make us ready to venture and enjoy 
because our life has found its perfect rest in 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 139 

thee. Reveal thyself more perfectly to our desirous 
hearts and make us sharers of thy work for men. 
When we have sinned, give us a true repentance and 
forsaking, and increase continually our delight in the 
beauty of thy holiness. When doubts intrude, let 
our work interpret thy hidden purposes and our 
own affections reflect the patience of thy love. 
When man disappoints us, be thou our refuge and our 
satisfaction. For thou art our security, our strength 
and peace. Amen. 



June 29 — For Sympathetic Hearts 

Then shall the King say unto them on his right 
hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; 
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a 
stranger, and ye took me in. — Matt. 25 : 34- 

Give us pitiful and comprehending hearts, 
God, in the presence of our neighbor's need, and as 
we think upon all poverty and suffering. Remem- 
ber those who have no other helper, and in thy mercy 
uphold and comfort the distressed and helpless. 
Remember those who are fighting the grim fight with 
want, and open a way for them that they fall not 
also in the power of hopeless need. Show us how to 
use thy gifts for the necessities of our brothers and 
enable us to give something of ourselves with every 
gift, after the pattern of our pitying and helpful 
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



140 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

June 30 — The Gifts of God 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall your Father 
who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him. 
All things therefore whatsover ye would that men should 
do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is 
the law and the prophets. — Matt. 7 : 11. 

We thank thee that thou art ever with us, our 
Father, and that thy mercy has sustained us in 
trouble and crowned our lives with good. For all 
the gifts thy love has made our portion — for thy 
Son, our Lord, and all he gave and taught; for thy 
presence and the brotherhood of men; for those who 
are first in our heart's desire and all the hopes of 
wider fellowship and more intimate communion; 
for shelter, food and rest, the fruits of the earth, 
the achievement of our thought and toil; for 
memory and hope; the sympathy that gives and 
gains, we bring thee our thanksgiving. Though 
in the midst of trials praise come not with our first 
impulsive thought, yet, Lord, let it become the 
true expression of heart's purpose, the offering of a 
love that needs but leisure to rise from our lips in 
song. For we are thine in loving thankfulness and 
we would dwell in thy house forevermore. Amen. 

July 1 — The Spirit of Brotherhood 

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou 
shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor and not bear sin 
because of, him. Thou shalt not take vengeance nor 
bear any grudge against the children of thy people: 
but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Lev. 
19 : 17. . 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 141 

Lord, most wise, most loving and most merciful; 
who hast called us from loneliness into the fellow- 
ship of saints, so lead and guide us by the indwelling 
of thy Holy Spirit that we may live as becometh 
that great calling and our common hope. Most 
loving Father, who hast sent thy Son that he might 
win us for his kingdom and bring us home to thee, so 
enable us to overcome all hatred, strife and jealousy 
that we may love our neighbor as ourself . As thou 
hast chosen for thyself friends and helpers for the 
redemption of the world, so help us to live in the 
spirit of that brotherhood, overcoming evil with 
good and building that which shalt endure, that 
thou mayest have thy part in us as thou hast given 
us to have our part in thee. And let thy goodness 
rest upon the whole company of the redeemed. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

July 2 — In Times of Rest 

And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart 
and rest awhile. For there were many coming and 
going, an^ they had no leisure so much as to eat. 
And they went away in the boat to a desert place 
apart. — Mark 6 : 31. 

God, who hast supported us in work, be with 
us also in our times of rest and pleasure. Let us 
not wish to go where we cannot desire thy presence 
with us, not to do what we know thou canst not 
approve, nor to hear that which offends against thy 
law of purity and truth. Make rest effectual for 
better work hereafter and give us in our quiet and 
unhurried hours more intimate communion with 
thy Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus Christ, go with us 



142 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

where we go and help us to be witnesses for thee. 
Refresh our spirits by thy word and let our cheer 
abound. And thine shall be the praise for strength 
to work and opportunities of rest. Amen. 

July 3 — Our Progress God's Care 

Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge 
of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine 
power hath granted unto us all things that pertain 
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of 
him that called us. — 2 Pet. 1:2. 

Father in heaven, we thank thee that our growth 
and progress are thy care. Fulfill in each of us 
thine own thought of what our lives should be, and 
while we serve thee keep our hearts from worry 
and distress. Plan thou for us. Choose thou our 
way and end. Give strength for attainment. 
Hasten the completion of thy purpose in us. Help 
us to go onward, looking ever to the shining of the 
light of Christ, and with no faltering steps. Keep 
us in the special cares and trials of our lot, thou 
who in love abidest ever with thy children. Live 
our days with us, that our hearts may ever be pure 
and true. Make them all aglow with the light and 
fervor of thy presence. Let there be peace in the 
hearts of all that love thee. And let thy kingdom 
come on earth. Amen. 

July 4 — Independence Day 

Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his 
people Israel according to all that he promised: there 
hath not failed one word of all his good promise. . . . 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 143 

The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our 
fathers . . . that he may incline our hearts unto him, 
to ivalk in all his ways . . . which he commanded 
our fathers. — 1 Kings 8 : 56. 

Almighty God, who in former times didst lead 
our fathers forth into a wealthy place; give thy 
grace, we humbly beseech thee, to their children, 
that we may always prove ourselves a people mind- 
ful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our 
land with honorable industry, sound learning and 
pure manners. Defend our liberties, preserve our 
unity. Save us from violence, discord and confu- 
sion, from pride and arrogancy and from every evil 
way. Fashion into one happy people the multitudes 
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. 
Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom we 
entrust in thy name with the authority of govern- 
ance, to the end that there may be peace at home and 
that we may keep our place of honor and good will 
among the nations of the earth. In the time of 
prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness; and 
in the day of trouble suffer not our courage and our 
faith in thee to fail. In the name of Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

July 5 — A Thanksgiving 

Thou mdhest the outgoings of the morning and the 
evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and 
waterest it, . . . Thou waterest its furrows abun- 
dantly; . . . Thou blessest the springing thereof. — 
Psalm 65 : 8. 

Lord, our confidence and joy, how many are 
thy gifts and how patient is thy love! We thank 
thee that thou hast given us life in this fair world 



144 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

and strength to meet its claims upon us. We 
praise thee for the peace of sleep and the vigor of 
the dawn. Thou hast knit cords of sympathy that 
bind us heart to heart. Thou settest the solitary 
in families and thy seal of blessing is upon the joys 
of home. Thou givest the fruits of the earth and 
the pleasures of eye and ear for our enjoyment. 
Thou hast brought our fathers to this goodly land 
and helped them in their time of need. We bless 
thee for progress and hope, the divine Fatherhood 
that makes our lives secure and for thy love that 
overbrims the cup of joy. Help us to be grateful in 
remembrance and happy in our work. Give 
courage, faith and love that make us more like 
thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

July 6 — Faithful Living 

His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faith- 
ful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, 
I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord. — Matt. 25 : 21. 

Eternal and ever-blessed God, help me, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ my Lord, to be faithful in 
my stewardship for thee on earth. Especially assist 
me in little things, and in all the opportunities and 
temptations of my life with others. Help me to be 
just and merciful, loving, courteous and cheerful 
in all the social relations of life, and especially with 
those whom thou hast given me for love and care. 
Guard me from evil, and especially from leading 
others into sin. Teach me a wise and loving pa- 
tience and forbearance in all the trials and vexa- 
tions of my life. Help me to be faithful in all 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 145 

duties, and grateful for all kindly ministries. And 
may there be nothing in my words or deeds that can 
bring reproach upon thy holy name. And this I 
ask through my most patient and loving Saviour. 
Amen. 

July 7 — Our Teacher 

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which 
thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon 
thee. . . . Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye right- 
eous; and shout for joy all ye that are upright in 
heart. — Psalm 32 : 8. 

In this day's work and thought, God, I would 
be taught by thee. Thou art my Father, let thy 
care extend to every little need that helps to make 
my life. Teach me to make right choices. Help 
me to see the right and love it that I may turn 
away from evil and follow good. Give me a quiet 
heart in disappointments. In all relations with my 
family and my neighbors teach me to be ready to 
help and full of cheer. Show me what is just and 
honorable in my business, for it is thee, my Father, 
whom I desire to serve in common things. Help 
me to be merciful and forgiving that I may claim 
thy mercy. Put away sin and folly from my thought 
that I may grow like Christ in purity of heart and 
love to thee. And use me for thy work on earth, 
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

July 8 — The Folly of Worry 

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord . . . 
for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that 
spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear 



146 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green: and 
shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither 
shall cease from yielding fruit. — Jer. 17 : 7. 

Giver of all good, our loving Heavenly Father, 
help us by a childlike faith and answering love to 
rest our hearts on thee without anxiety or worry. 
Since thou hast taken on thyself the care of all our 
needs, teach us to plan and do our part 
in full confidence that all things shall work 
together for our good. Keep us from the folly of 
distrust, from the troubled thoughts which sap our 
strength, from the needless cares and perplexities 
of life. In the way of thine appointing may we find 
a continual peace of heart. When trouble comes 
in like a flood, be thou our refuge and our confidence. 
May no ungrateful worry spoil our joy or mar our 
witness, but help us to be faithful, provident, and 
wisely foreseeing in cheerful work with thee. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



July 9 —He Restoreth My Soul 

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye 
upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his 
way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let 
him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon 
him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. — 
7s. 55 : 6. 

I bless thee, my God, that thou hast been merciful 
unto me, and searched me out in the hidden place 
where I had strayed and fallen! It is of thy loving- 
kindness that I am brought back from the folly of 
my wandering and from distress and darkness and 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 147 

that I see once more the light of life. Let it be 
sweet to my soul that thou, from whom are all 
things, rejoicest with thine own in my recovery and 
return. My Deliverer, my Joy and Hope, take my 
life henceforward into thine own care. Lead me 
where thou wilt and as thou wilt and forsake me 
not when my fears and my temptations come. 
Bring me into the company of thy redeemed and 
joyful people and let thy friendship be my joy and 
crown. Gird me with strength for all my work on 
earth and dwell in me to will and do forevermore. 
Amen. 

July 10 — Comrades of Christ 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask 
whatsoever ye will and it shall be done unto you. 
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much 
fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. — John 15 : 7 . 

We thank thee, Father, for thy confidence, which 
enables us to go upon our way with good courage and 
rejoicing hearts. Keep in our thoughts, by the 
guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we are sent of 
Christ to complete his work. In all experiences 
may we find the tokens of thy presence. Help us 
to love justice and show mercy as followers of the 
just and patient and confiding Lord who sends us 
forth. In all relations with our fellow men, may we 
think of them as children of the same loving Father, 
sharers of the same opportunity, called with the 
same high calling as ourselves. Bring in thy king- 
dom, Lord! Enlarge the place of thy dwelling in 
the hearts of men. And let us serve our generation 
with joy and patience and self-giving love. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



148 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

July 11 — The Hedged Way 

Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, 
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and 
many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is 
the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, 
and few be they that find it. — Matt. 7 : 13. 

Thou hast hedged me in, God, and made my 
way strait; let hedge and wall be my defense, lest 
I break through into forbidden fields. Thou hast 
denied strength, let thy strength be made perfect 
in my weakness. I thank thee for plain paths that 
lead to thee. When fear is heavy upon me, help me 
to take refuge in the thought that thou and I are 
all sufficient for my work. Thou who hast made 
limitations, give enlargement! Thou who hast 
suffered weakness, make my courage sure! Let me 
not seek too great a task, nor envy other children of 
thy love. Send whom thou wilt, and where thou 
wilt, but teach me to be faithful in the measure of 
thy gifts. So perfect thy good purpose in my life 
and bring me to thyself at last. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



July 12 — For Victory in Temptation 

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take 
heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you 
but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who 
will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; 
but will with the temptation make also the way of 
escape, that ye may be able to endure it. — 1 Cor. 
10 : 12. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 149 

God, our Father, whose will it is that none 
should perish but that all should live, enable us so 
to use thy gift of freedom that it shall prepare us 
for the eternal life of holiness with thee. When in* 
the temptations of the world we are sifted as wheat, 
grant us that our faith fail not. When we are in 
peril from the lusts that war against the soul, be 
thou our guard. For thine own pity and for the 
love of those who need us and who suffer when we 
fail, preserve us in the hour of weakness. For 
the love wherewith Christ loved us, grant us the 
fellowship of his Spirit when we are tried in the 
likeness of his temptations. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

July 13 — Fruit-Bearing 

For this cause we also . . . do not cease to pray 
and make request for you, that ye may be filled with 
the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and 
understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord unto all 
pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work and in- 
creasing in the knowledge of God — Col. 1 : 9. 

Teach me, God my Father, the glory of the 
love that stooped to save and the wonder of that 
trust which gives thy honor to my hands. Help me 
to fix my hopes and my desires on thee, to scorn 
and loathe the evil of my heart, to turn away from 
every sin and seek all opportunities of service. 
I thank thee that thou hast trusted me and that thy 
word is in my heart and thy message given me to 
speak by lips and life. Lest I go astray and thy holy 
name may be blasphemed or some whom thou hast 
loved be kept from finding thee — their life and joy 



150 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

— keep thou me, God! and put thy law in my 
heart and thy word on my lips, that I may bear 
true witness and bring forth fruit to thy glory and 
my own heart's joy. Be thou my life and in thee 
may I rest and hope forevermore. Amen. 



July 14 — The Active Life with Christ 

For if these things are yours and abound, they make 
you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . For if ye do these 
things ye shall never stumble: for thus shall be richly 
supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal king- 
dom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. — 2 
Pet. 1 : 8. 

Oh, to be like thee, Lord, as a clear glass through 
which the glory of the Heavenly Father shines! 
Oh, to be counted worthy to have helped men to 
acquaintance with their Redeemer and their Friend! 
Lord, save me ! from the useless life, the unholy and 
unlovely drifting on of thoughtless ease. Show me 
thy work and give me the great joy of having some 
little part in it for which thou dost depend on me. 
Thou hast given me my talents, help me neither to 
despise nor overrate them. Give me wisdom to per- 
ceive my opportunity, courage to grasp it, grace to 
persevere. Let assurance of thy presence sustain 
me in despondency. Pardon, in thy merciful 
kindness, my manifold neglects and transgressions, 
which have hurt my influence as thy child. And 
guard my way, on the right hand and on the left, 
that I wander no more, neither betray the trust 
which thou hast committed to my care. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 151 

July 15 — Sharing God's Gifts 

And he said unto him, Master, all these things 
have I observed from my youth. And Jesus looking 
upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing 
thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give 
to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: 
and come, follow me. But his countenance fell at the 
saying, and he went away sorrowful; for he was one 
who had great possessions. — Mark 10 : 20. 

Lord, who hast shared thy life with us, help us 
to share thy gifts with others in remembrance of 
thy mercy. Make us so much like thee that it shall 
be our joy to help and save. Suffer us not to fix 
our hearts on earthly things, lest we should lose our 
hold on thee. Thou who art good to the thankless 
and the undeserving! arm us against the sting and 
suffering of ingratitude. Out of our social life let 
our best blessings flow and where our brothers are, 
there let us seek for thee. We bless thee, our 
Father, for the showing forth of what thou art in 
Jesus Christ our Lord, who walked with men in 
majesty of brotherhood and was ever ready to give 
and to receive. Let not pride withdraw us from 
the common ways, nor fastidiousness become a 
veil between us and thee. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

July 16 — A Midsummer Prayer 

He water eth the hills from his chambers; the 
earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. He causeth 
the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the labor 
of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth. — 
Psalm 104 : IS. 



152 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

By thee, Lord, the year comes to its fullness and 
the harvest fields grow ready for the reaper. We 
thank thee that thou sendest the sunwarrnth for the 
yellowing grain and the refreshing rains that quicken 
the parched earth and feed the springs of the hills 
and make the brooks sing on their journey toward 
the sea. Give strength to man for labor. Give us 
new strength and refreshment in sleep, and in our 
waking let thy presence be our rest. Let our hearts 
sing for joy in the remembrance of thy goodness. 
Let thy love and mercy be our strength and consola- 
tion in the hour when trouble falls upon us, that 
we may accept and overcome it as thy schooling 
for our souls. As thou bringest the trees to growth 
and preparest a table both for man and beast, so 
feed and ripen our souls in the sunlight of thy love 
that we may be ready for all the changes thou shalt 
please to send. May the hours we spend in dear 
companionship under the wonder of thy heavens, 
by shore or hill or in the shadows of thy wood, be 
full of high and loving thoughts. Keep us in 
strength, that we may serve thee. Deepen our joy 
in life and in the beauty of the earth, that we may 
find thee everywhere. Let our eyes shine with the 
light of thy indwelling Spirit and our whole life 
reflect the glory of the love of Christ our Lord. 
In his name. Amen. ^ 



July 17 — Responsibilities 

He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also 
in much. ... 7/ therefore ye have not been faithful 
in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your 
trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 153 

in that which is another's, who ivill give you that which 
is your own? — Luke 16 : 10. 

Lord, in these cares and responsibilities for others, 
which I must carry day by day, be thou my confi- 
dence and hope. Because thou lovest all, yet hast 
committed the concerns and happiness of these 
especially to me, I come to ask for wisdom. Watch 
at my side that I go not astray or tempt to wander- 
ing by my ill example. Let not my folly mar the 
stay of any man on earth or hinder the joy of the 
blessed life which comes from thee. Keep my 
heart bright with cheer that thy sun may shine 
through me upon the road. And make me diligent 
and confident in simplicity of faith, as one who is 
the instrument of service and holds the promise of 
the King. So clear my heart of pride and coward 
sluggishness and base anxiety, and let me serve all 
those whom thou hast given me with quiet heart 
and patient faith. Amen. 



July 18 — The Return to God 

Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath 
torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten and he will 
bind us up. . . . And let us know, let us follow on 
to know the Lord: his going forth is sure as the morn- 
ing; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter 
rain that water eth the earth. — Hos. 6:1. 

Thou that dwellest in light, the illumination 
and glory of our souls, open our eyes that we may 
see w^herein we have offended against thee. Let 
not the darkness of false loves and the desire of sin 
keep from us the brightness of thy truth, nor let 



154 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

us seek to hide ourselves from thee in refuges of 
lies. Give us courage, Lord, to confess and forsake 
our sins and strength to resist the temptations 
which do so easily beset us. For thou art our hope, 
the assurance of our salvation and the light of our 
hearts. Let not the dread of suffering or the shame 
of discovery keep us from the way of repentance and 
return. Teach us to live in the light, that we may 
be without fear or shame before thee and give us 
courage, when we fail, to turn our faces homeward 
with desire to find thee and thy pardon and thy 
strength. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

July 19 — The Strong and the Weak 

Xow we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities 
of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one 
of us please his neighbor for that which is good unto 
building up. For Christ also pleased not himself. — 
Rom. 15 : 1. 

Our God, who hast given us life, meaning to win 
us for thy willing and obedient children, help us, 
we entreat thee, not to live so selfishly as only to 
receive and not to give compassion. Let us be 
willing sharers of thy thought and work. Let our 
patience and endeavor for the need of others be 
offered, like thine own, for true love's sake. Con- 
firm and establish in us all motions and desires of 
brotherhood, all thoughts of kindness. Teach us 
to be just and merciful, remembering thine upright- 
ness, Thou that delightest in mercy ! When our 
own burdens weigh heavily, come thou to our relief, 
leaving us free and strong for help of others. So 
let the fellowship we most desire grow between us 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 155 

and thee, Thou compassionate! And help us to 
be thy true and help-bringing followers all our 
appointed days on earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

July 20 — The Peace of God 

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and 
the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence 
for ever. And my people shall abide in a peaceable 
habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting 
places. — Is. 32 : 17. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who hast invited all who are 
weary and heavy laden, unto thee we come for rest. 
We ask not idleness or the putting away of earth's 
needful crosses and disappointments, but for thy 
presence and companionship in waiting and in 
work. Help us to take thy yoke upon us and to 
learn of thee. Prosper thou the work of our hands, 
so far as it shall be for thy glory and for our growth 
in holiness. Give us the peace of God which passeth 
understanding, and may our deep heart's gladness 
overflow in cheerful days. And when thou hast 
finished thy work in us and through us on the earth, 
take us to thyself that we may be partakers of that 
rest which remaineth for the children of God. 
And to thee, our Lord, the Giver of heart's rest, be 
praise forever more! Amen. 

July 21 — God's Kingdom First 

But seek ye -first his kingdom and his righteousness; 
and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not 
therefore anxious for the morrow, for the morrow will 



156 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is the 
evil thereof. — Matt. 6 : 83. 

Let it not be a hardship unto me, Lord, that I 
am taught to seek thy kingdom first, but let me 
know that all my strength and joy are found in 
thee and in thy loving will for good. Give me true 
courage that I may not fear, though dangers seem 
to grow about my way. Lead me not into tempta- 
tion, but help me to use temptation when it comes 
as a call to victory through the strength thou givest 
and hast nourished in my soul. Let obedience be 
the channel of delight as well as the occupation of 
my thought. And when I fail, forgive and have 
patience with me, while with true repentance, 
simple faith and undiscouraged hope I make a new 
beginning in thy holy way. In gratitude and con- 
fession I come; let my heart's song be ever of thy 
love in Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



July 22 — Living Together 

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is 
evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the 
brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in 
honor preferring one another. — Rom. 12 : 9. 

We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast put 
within our souls the need of friendship and given 
us its satisfactions in the experience of life on earth 
and its hopes beyond the gate of expectation we call 
death. Help us by thy good favor to become more 
worthy of friendship, that we may minister 
more purely and give more generously to those we 
love. Restore to us in thine own good time the 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 157 

friends we have lost by reason of separation, mis- 
understanding, and especially because of our own 
folly. Help us to forgive as we would be forgiven, 
to be patient, considerate, full of cheer and encour- 
agement, ready to speak or keep silence as the law of 
love shall declare. May all our friendships be rooted 
in the satisfaction of thy presence and make thou 
one in all relations. In the name of Jesus, who has 
called us friends. Amen. 

July 23 — The Use of Freedom 

For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye 
should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 
as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of 
malice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all men. 
Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. — 
1 Pet. 2 : 15. 

God, our Father, who hast made us free in 
Jesus Christ, help us to use thy gift with true 
humility and unfeigned love of holiness, and not as 
an occasion to the flesh. Keep us from transgres- 
sions that enslave and fears that weaken; and 
enable us to live upon the high levels of our noblest 
thought and hope. Lead us into knowledge suffi- 
cient for us. Deny us not the comfort of thy 
presence. In doubt, enlighten thou our darkness. 
When we fall, recover us to true repentance and 
enable us to walk at liberty because we keep thy 
commandments. Forgive our sins for thy love's 
sake. Give strength for endurance, wisdom for 
decision, loving patience with our fellow men and 
cheerful thoughts and looks continually. And may 
our walk and words commend the freedom of the 
life with Christ. Amen. 



158 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

July 24 — Waiting for God 

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to 
slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, 
nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the 
Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt thee to inherit 
the land: when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see 
it. — Psalm 87 : 82. 

Teach us thy patience, our God, for we are but 
the creatures of a day and know not how to wait. 
Give us to breathe the clear air of the eternal years 
in which thou workest quietly to bring thy plans to 
their fruition. Nor suffer us to wait in listless 
quiet, but with a forward-looking faith which shall 
enable us to sing for joy of heart. Build in our souls 
great expectations, high imaginings of love's triumph 
and the coming glory of thy righteous kingdom, 
large thoughts of the value of the souls of men for 
whom Christ died. When our troubles come, afford 
us aid, that we may not be shaken, but stand fast. 
Enable us to finish that work which thou hast given 
us to do. Clear from our hearts all selfish thoughts 
and vain anxieties and may thy Holy Spirit guide us 
into truth and an abiding peace. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 



July 25 — Our Human Affections 

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, 
is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary 
in families; he bring eth out the prisoners into pros- 
perity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. — 
Psalm 68 : 5. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 159 

God, in whose presence is our love's content, 
help us so to use all human affections that they may 
speak to us of thee. Pardon their failures and short- 
comings and make them wholly thine. For strength 
in ministry to those we love, for opportunities of 
service and for glad humility in receiving, we hum- 
bly pray. Love is thy gift, help us to use it nobly, 
in all sorrow and in all delight. Choose thou our 
happiness and sustain us with thy patience in our 
grief. When in humility of self-knowledge we are 
afraid to think of the great love that others bring us, 
may we grow strong and pure by the remembrance 
of their affection. Help us to know the power of 
thy great love in Christ, God, for joyful righteous- 
ness. And may that holy love surround and purify 
all earthly ties of affection, that they may be as 
enduring as our life that is hid with Christ in God. 
And to thee be praise, God, through Jesus Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 

July 26 — The Soul's Worth to God 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our 
Father who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and 
good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and 
stablish them in every good work and word. — 2 
Thess. 2 : 16. 

Teach us, our Father, when life seems without 
meaning and we are tempted to forget our calling as 
thy children, to remember the worth of the poorest 
soul to thee and the glory of an experience thou 
didst send thine own beloved Son to share. Forgive 
us that we spend ourselves in such petty aims and 
belittle our opportunity with such unworthy 



160 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

thoughts. Help us by thy grace to live largely, 
confident in thy love and care and seeking to find 
thy meaning in the daily experience of life with thee. 
Reveal thyself in our relations with others, in work 
and play, in hours of quiet meditation. In all these 
experiences prepare our hearts for intimate com- 
munion with thee in prayer. Make our lives glori- 
ous, we beseech thee, by making them of use. And 
give us the joy of thy presence evermore. In the 

name of Christ. Amen. 

* 

July 27 — Serenity of Faith 

Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, 
even the God who is our salvation. God is unto us a 
God of deliverances; and unto Jehovah the Lord 
belong the issues from death. — Psalm 68 : 19. 

Grant us, God, a deep serenity of faith amid the 
changes and upheavals of the world. Give us 
obedient hearts in time of doubt. Keep us from all 
indifference of the callous heart, making us quick 
to sympathize and aid. In our righteous indigna- 
tion with cruelty and hate, help us to leave the issue 
with full assurance to thy justice and thy love. 
When we hear of evil, make us more in love with 
good. Let not forebodings overcome us — as if 
the clouds had killed the sun. Have mercy on those 
who suffer. Shorten all times of war. Prevent the 
deeds of wickedness. Deliver the victims of man's 
pride and hate. Let valor and self-giving and all 
the patience of those who endure not fail of their 
reward. Let the end of life be glorious, though its 
ways lead through the dark. In the name of our 
pitiful and helpful Jesus Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 161 

July 28 — Whole-Hearted Discipleship 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, 
saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to 
give you hope in your latter end. And ye shall call 
upon me . . . and I will hearken unto you: And ye 
shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for 
me with all your heart. — Jer. 29 : 11. 

Thou hast not made the world in jest or careless- 
ness, Lord; help us to enter into thy thought of 
its purpose and to follow the leading of thy Spirit 
with full enthusiasm of heart. Since thou hast 
made us for happy life and joyful fellowship of work 
with thee, save us from the indifference which is 
itself a condemnation, from the lukewarm spirit 
which is hateful in thy sight, from neglect of op- 
portunities which are thy gift, from carelessness of 
the enthusiasm which is a mark of following Christ. 
Show us thy glory in the helpful service of our com- 
mon days. Transfigure our drudgeries with the 
light of heaven for which they are thy chosen 
school. Enable us to bring forth fruit on earth and 
in thine own good time be fitted for the rest that 
remaineth for thy people . Amen. 

July 29 — Peace Lovers 

Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctifica- 
tion without which no man shall see the Lord: look- 
ing carefully . . . lest any root of bitterness springing 
up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled. — 
Heb. 12 : 14. 

God of peace, whom we have known in Jesus 
Christ our Lord, make us peace-lovers, as thou art, 



162 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

through faith in him, and suffer us also to know the 
happiness our Lord foretold for the peacemakers. 
Let this, Lord, be no passive and cloistered virtue 
of our souls, but rather our heart's unfailing com- 
panion in the work of the day and the thoughts of 
the night. Help us to loye — yea, Lord ! even to 
love our enemies, as Christ hath taught us, not 
rendering injury for injury or wrath for wrath, but 
seeing all men in the light of thy love and compas- 
sion and seeking their good with singleness of heart. 
Turn even our indignation and righteous anger to 
the final service of love, that we may come to be 
like thee. Forget us not in the hour of our tempta- 
tion but keep our hearts from hatred and our tongues 
from strife. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

July 30 — Joyful Service 

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his 
presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord, he is 
God; it is he that made us, and we are his; we are his 
people, and the sheep of his pasture. — Psalm 100 : 2, 

Thou who hast given me love without measure 
and help without price, let me not weigh and mete 
out my obedience like a slave, but teach me how 
thy children live before thee in a noble freedom and 
joyful continuance of faithful love. Let each day 
of my life be a day of thy presence. Kindle in my 
heart desire of holiness. Let me not waver, faint- 
hearted and irresolute, the sport of circumstance 
and the shadow of other men's wishes, but aid me to 
be strong and steadfast, daily giving thanks for a 
child's place in the Father's house and for the 
opportunity of helpfulness. Thou, the faithful 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 163 

Redeemer and Shepherd of our souls, as thou 
didst live in obedience and uprightness of faith and 
love, enable us also to be true and persevering and 
let thy blessing rest on all who seek and follow thee. 
Amen. 

July 31 — The Divine Guest 

For thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth 
eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and 
holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and 
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and 
to revive the heart of the contrite. — 7s. 57 : 15. 

Lord, I desire thee and none other for my most 
intimate and abiding Guest. When thou comest, I 
would haste to open the door and entreat thy en- 
trance. Come and abide and turn my life from 
evil and become my heart's delight and song. Let 
me so live that I shall not be ashamed before thee 
when my thoughts return to the place which thou 
hast chosen for thy rest. Leave me not useless in 
a world that lies in need, but let thy light shine out 
to testify of thee. To this end teach me, I entreat 
thee, to love purity and peace and the strength of a 
watchful obedience. And let thy joy abide in my 
heart and thy presence illuminate and interpret dark 
experiences and all the weariness of life. So would 
I be blameless in thy sight and come to know and 
love thee better day by day. Amen. 

August 1 — Continual Care 

If thou draw out thy heart to the hungry, and satisfy 
the afflicted soul: then shall thy light arise in darkness, 
and thine obscurity be as the noonday; and the Lord 



164 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

will guide thee continually and satisfy thy sold in 
drought, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt 
be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water 
whose waters fail not. — Is. 58 : 10. 

God, whose gift is faith and hope through Jesus 
Christ, we bless thee also for the lovingkindness 
which has brought us comfort all along the way. 
Thine are these changing skies, this earth that 
ripens corn for bread and flowers for beauty, these 
walls that shelter us from cold and storm, these 
hopes that cheer. In every day's renewal of our 
life with thee, in countless gifts, unrecognized, which 
join to make our hearts content, in all the kindly 
affections of our human fellowship, we look to thee 
with grateful hearts. Enlarge our souls, that those 
who love us may have more occasion for their love. 
Quicken our consciences, that we may desire more 
of the beauty of thy holiness. Make us of use and 
help among the needy and the lonely. Endow us 
with strength and wisdom that we may serve our 
generation before we fall asleep. And abide thou 
with us in purity and power for evermore. Amen. 



August 2 — God's Vineyard 

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found 
others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand 
ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because 
no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye 
also into the vineyard. — Matt. 20 : 6. 

Master of the vineyard, who askest of every man 
a reason for his idleness and givest opportunity of 
work to all, give us willing hearts to share thy 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 165 

purpose and thy work. Arm us against our 
own indolent sluggishness and make us alert 
to follow the leadings of thy will. thou who art 
ever present with thy people, give us inspiration 
and the persevering strength our special task re- 
quires. Keep us from listless drifting, as the 
wind drives and the river flows, and set before us 
clear aims and confident hopes toward which 
we may make progress day by day. Teach 
us that joy in the Father's work which enriched the 
life of Jesus and let us see the coming of thy 
kingdom. Amen. 



August 3 — Adventure with God 

For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time 
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which 
shall be revealed to us-ward. For the earnest expecta- 
tion of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons 
of God . . . in hope that the creation itself also shall 
be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the 
glorious liberty of the children of God. — Rom. 8 : 18. 

Lord, thou hast led our fathers in their way, lead 
us also toward thy chosen goal. Give us faith and 
courage that we may venture in thy service where 
new ways open and strange tasks invite. Kindle 
our imagination, we beseech thee, with power to 
take a wider and a deeper view of the world; and 
enable us to recognize and follow opportunity as it 
beckons. To this end of venturing courage, Lord, 
help us not to burden our souls with the love of 
earth's treasures or to fix our hearts upon its am- 
bitions and delights. Set us free from slavery to 



166 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

fashions of the world's opinion and from the weak 
indolence of our own souls. And, while we venture, 
guide our thoughts and guard our words, that we 
may do good and not evil all the days of our life. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



August 4 — Purposeful Days 

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace being 
multiplied through the many, may cause the thanks- 
giving to abound unto the glory of God. Wherefore we 
faint not, but though our outward man is decaying, yet 
our inward man is renewed day by day. — 2 Cor. 
4 : 15. 

Let this day, my Father, bring me nearer to thy 
thought of what my life should be. Keep me from 
aimless hours and the weak drift of will which goes 
no whither and brings no results to pass. Let rest 
and pleasure serve for the renewal of my powers 
and give me strength of patience for disappointment 
and the long, unvarying hours of toil. Enlighten 
thou my mind, that I may understand the issues of 
my choice from hour to hour. Where I fail in wis- 
dom, let thy teaching bring me aid. When I fall, 
come thou to lift me up, and when I am discouraged, 
give me by assurance of thy love the undaunted 
faith which persists and overcomes. Establish thou 
the work of my hands, God, and let that which 
thou hast committed to me prosper and grow strong 
for the progress of thy kingdom and the glory of thy 
name. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 167 

August 5 — Simple Living 

At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank 
thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou 
didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, 
and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it 
was well-pleasing in thy sight. — Matt. 11 : 25. 

Lord, we thank thee that thou hast revealed 
thyself to babes and to the weak and simple of the 
earth. We bless thee that, though thou art un- 
searchable, yet the child's heart may know and dwell 
with thee, and that though thy words are deep, so 
that the wisest man cannot read all their meaning, 
yet they speak to the hearts of thy little ones so that 
they hear and trust. Keep us from the false subtle- 
ties of the world's wisdom, that we may feed upon 
thy pure word in childlike faith. Suffer us not to 
cumber our lives with many burdens, but may we be 
content with such things as thou hast provided, 
looking unto thee as our true joy and wealth. So 
may our hearts be at peace in the midst of the 
world's troubles through the indwelling of thy Spirit 
and the faith of Christ our Lord., Amen. 

August 6 — A Thanksgiving 

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. . . . 
Let the field exult, and all that is therein: then shall all 
the trees of the wood sing for joy before the Lord; for he 
cometh, . . . he shall judge the world with right- 
eousness, and the peoples with his truth. — Psalm 
96 : 11. 

For the pleasant fruits of earth we thank thee, 
Father ! for health and sunlit days, for beauty and 



168 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

for music, the refuge and delight of home, our 
strength to labor and our refreshment in repose. 
Thou art the sharer of our joy and grief, thy love 
illumines darkness and makes our burdens light, 
gives courage for overcoming, sustains our hearts in 
troubled hours. We thank thee for the brotherhood 
of men, for neighbors in the social life of earth, for 
the joy of friendship in which thou hast thy part; 
for high experiences and desires and for deliverance 
from our lower selves. Assist us to a cheerful and 
unfaltering courage, to gratitude and childlike faith, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered and 
enjoyed that he might lead us in the trials of this 
life and bring us home to thee. Amen. 

August 7 — A Day with God 

He that confesseth the Son hath the Father also. . . . 
If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in 
you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. 
And this is the promise which he promised us, even 
the life eternal. — 1 John 2 : 23. 

In my morning thoughts, my Father, let me re- 
member that I am to walk all day with thee. Open 
my eyes to see life's opportunities and gifts in due 
proportion, that I may learn to choose and to refuse 
according to thy thought of good. Break the charm 
of every false lure and enable me to weigh the claims 
of every pleasure. Above all, my Father, permit me 
to be of service in thy world among thy children and 
to value love as the chief gift and power. Help me 
to self-mastery, that I may willingly dedicate my 
life to thee. For in thy Son I have seen most love, 
most joy of service, most self-giving for the help of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 169 

men, and I desire with all my heart to be like him. 
Abide with me and help my weakness with thy might. 
To this end endue me with thy Holy Spirit and let 
my life show forth fruits of his power. Amen. 

August 8 — In Life's Companionships 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; 
and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth 
God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God 
is love. Herein was the love of God manifested in us, 
that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that 
we might live through him. — 1 John 4 ' 7. 

Lord, we desire to be worthy of thy gifts and 
ready for the fulfilment of thy purpose in our lives. 
Let our blessings be admonitions, calling us to walk 
more worthily. We thank thee for the friendship 
thou hast offered and all the joy of fellowship with 
men. In proportion as our relations are intimate, 
teach us to make them pure. Show us thy love in 
the eyes of those who love us, thy help in the help 
that we receive. Enable us to give, even as thou 
hast given, delighting in opportunity and without 
delay, lest the severing night should fall. So be 
thou ever with us in the experience of affection and 
grant abundant strength and joy to every friend. 
Amen. 

August 9 — The Body's Gifts 

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from 
the dead dwelleth in you . . . he shall also quicken 
your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to 
live after the flesh. — Rom. 8 : 11. 



170 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Spirit of God, who dwellest in the temple of our 
bodies, give us reverence for their purity and 
strength, that we may ever use them in thy service. 
We thank thee for the gates of knowledge which 
thou hast opened for us on the world — for sight 
and touch and hearing and every avenue of approach 
to thy ways and to our fellow men. Make us dili- 
gent scholars in thy school of thought and work. 
Keep us from the sins which waste and defile thy 
chosen dwelling-place — from slavery to passion, 
appetite and pride; from idleness that saps the 
strength of the heart; from anxiety and anger which 
eat out vigor of the mind. Make us watchful 
against evil, patient under infirmities, apt to use our 
strength in wisdom. So bring us through our 
years of pilgrimage in faith and cheerful obedience. 
And in the new life of thy presence make us like our 
risen and ascended Lord. Amen. 



August 10 — Peace in Perplexity 

A man's goings are established of the Lord; and he 
delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not 
be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with 
his hand. — Psalm 37 : 23. 

Since thou alone art my confidence, Lord, 
and my security amid perplexities of thought 
about the world where thou hast sent me, strengthen 
my faith in thy love and wisdom, that I may with- 
stand all moods of depression and go upon my way 
with a serene and thankful heart. Let me live 
the Christlike life of communion with thee and of 
helpfulness toward men, and let the peace of Christ 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 171 

dawn in my spirit and grow toward the full light of 
joy. Remember, Lord, all whose faith is over- 
whelmed or troubled and reveal thyself to them in 
personal acquaintance and loving confidence. As- 
sure our hearts that good-will is the hidden law 
while evil has but a little time to work. So let our 
strength increase as we rest our hearts in thee. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



August 11 — Going Forward 

Being therefore always of good courage . . . (for 
ice walk by faith , not by sight) : we are of good courage, 
I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the 
body, and to be at home with the Lord. Wherefore 
we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to 
be well-pleasing unto him. — 2 Cor. 5 : 6. 

Lord, when thou biddest me go forward, let me 
not draw back nor be afraid. Choose thou my way 
and help me to walk in it with settled purpose. 
When I grow weary, let the assurance of thy love be 
rest. When the yoke seems hard to bear, teach me 
that it is thy method of efficiency. As thou hast 
trusted me with life and work, help me to bring my 
best powers to each task I have in hand for thee. 
Let me rejoice in opportunity and be wholly free 
from anxiety about results. Show me thine own 
ideal of living and let the vision never fade or perish 
from my thought. So may I handle the affairs of 
life with thought for others and continual sense of 
thy presence and thy care. And to thee, my Father, 
be praise for opportunity and strength and joy. 
Amen. 



172 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

August 12 — The World-Wide Opportunity 

And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven 
themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them 
with their unbelief and hardness of heart because they 
believed not them that had seen him after he was risen. 
And he said unto them, go ye into all the world and 
preach the good tidings to the whole creation. — Mark 
16 : H. 

With joy we come to thee, Lord, remembering 
thy message of love and mercy to the world. 
thou who didst so love men as to give thine only 
begotten Son, we bless thee that thou hast made us 
heralds of his joyful words. Help us not to keep 
the message in the limits of our home or land, but to 
give it forth for the needs of the whole world. 
May Christ's love constrain us, and with us all to 
whom we have committed work too large or distant 
for our own hands and words. We thank thee for 
the world-wide opportunity in which they and we 
are brought together for thy work. Take thou our 
gifts and prayers and make them effective for thy 
purposes. Bless with power and joy all those who 
labor in thy name, in body and spirit; in their 
teaching and their daily life. Bring many souls to 
the harvest of their toil. And let thy kingdom 
come. Amen. 

August 13 — Our Peace and Strength 

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness; 
thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: be 
gracious unto me and hear my prayer. . . . But know 
that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for him- 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 173 

self: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. — Psalm 
4:1. 

Thou ever-loving Helper in our time of need, hear 
when we cry to thee and give us of thy peace and 
strength. Our refuge, our delight, the satisfaction 
of our desirous hearts, hide not thy face from us. 
Make us joyful in thy presence all day long, patient 
to serve and wait, strong in the faith, as becometh 
those who are called by the name of Christ. Teach 
us to pray, revealing in our hearts thy purpose for 
our lives and for the world. Pardon, uphold and 
use us for the coming of thy kingdom, increasing 
confidence and deepening love. So make us daily 
more like thee in will and word, for help of others 
and to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



August 14 — Self-Mastery 

But thou, man of God, . . . follow after righteous- 
ness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight 
the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, 
whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good 
confession in the sight of many witnesses. — 1 Tim. 
6:11. 

Let me, Lord, be master of myself in an ordered 
and helpful life, by thine assistance and to the honor 
of thy name. Let no sin have dominion over me, to 
bar the way of thy coming and cheat me out of the 
bounty of thy love and the peace of thine abiding. 
To this end give me a joyful and conquering faith 
that I may take life seriously as my appointed school 
of purity and strength. Suffer me not to postpone 
my struggle with the evil powers within, but, calling 



174 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

on thy alliance, let me renew this moment my en- 
deavor, which, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit, shall 
become a transformation into the image of my Re- 
deemer and Example, Christ. And with each day's 
need and victory, the praise be thine, my helper and 
my shield. Amen. 



August 15 — The Claims of Brotherhood 

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren 
to dwell together in unity! It is . . . like the dew of 
Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of 
Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even 
life for evermore. — Psalm 133 : 1. 

Enter not into judgment with us, Lord, though 
we have too often sinned against thee in uncharitable 
thought and word. Forgive us, in thy mercy, that we 
have spoken of our neighbors without kindness, 
while thou hast ever dealt with us in long-suffering 
compassion. Help us to seek truth and study right- 
eousness, but make us rather unsparing with our- 
selves than swift to mark the faults of others, and 
enable us to speak the truth in love. Teach us to 
honor the good name of other men as we would our 
own, to rejoice in their prosperity, to feel and cher- 
ish every claim of brotherhood and every oppor- 
tunity of kindness. Cleanse our hearts from every 
trace of malice, hatred and uncharitableness, and 
use us for thy service day by day, enabling us to 
forgive as we would be forgiven and to bless as we 
desire thy blessing. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 175 

August 16 — Joy of the Childlike Heart 

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my 
cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen 
unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heri- 
tage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel; 
yea, my heart instructeth me in the night seasons. — 
Psalm 16 : 5. 

Lord Jesus Christ who didst begin thy work as a 
weak and helpless babe and through the experiences 
of childhood earnest to thy strength, bless, we be- 
seech thee, all little children and grant them joy and 
strength. May the teachable and joyful spirit of 
childhood which thou hast made the true mark of 
thy kingdom become the portion of all thy dis- 
ciples. As thou didst live for others, giving thy 
strength to bless and heal, may it become our joy 
to follow thy example. Let thy glory illumine every 
home and every friendship. Light of the world, 
whose dawning is our hope and joy, so dwell in us 
and overflow through us that the world may be 
brighter for our life. And hasten the full splendor 
of that day of peace of which the angels sang. 
Let our eyes see it, let our hearts experience it, in 
the delight and fellowship of thy love. Amen. 



August 17 — Lovers of Truth 

Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and 
in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom. 
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, 
and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Create in me a 
clean heart, God; and renew a right spirit within me. 
— Psalm 51 : 6. 



176 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou who ever speakest truth and keepest faith 
with men, our Father and our Friend, help us with 
all our hearts to love sincerity and loathe falsehood. 
Teach us to be true in little things, in thoughts of 
the heart and words of the lips. Help us to avoid 
the little insincerities which make so large a part of 
life's temptations, to conform our words to thine 
own test of yea and nay, to deliver our souls from the 
snare of petty lying. Yet enable us to remember 
charity and kindliness that we may speak the truth 
in love, rather omitting utterance than forgetting 
patience and consideration. Show us the truth that 
makes man free, and let it burn as beacon and as 
invitation in our lives. And give us joy that clouds 
of falsehood never come between our hearts and 
thine. Through Christ whose word is truth. Amen. 



August 18 — Unselfishness 

Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to 
serve one another; for God resisteth the proud, but 
giveth grace to the humble. . . . And the God of all 
grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, 
after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself 
perfect, stablish, strengthen you. — 1 Pet. 5 : 5. 

Teach us unselfishness, thou who hast given us 
joy and strength in earth's labors through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Reveal thyself, that we may know 
what love is, thou who hast sought us and in 
whom alone is the fulfilment of our heart's desire. 
Let not blind and foolish love of self enthrall us. 
Turn our eyes away from coveting, our thoughts from 
self-deception and our hearts from pride. Keep us 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 177 

from a feigned humility, but give us true lowliness 
of mind. Enable us to get self out of the way of self, 
that we may give and not ask, have patience and 
not claim it, seek reality and hate illusion, labor for 
the coming of thy kingdom and not for the sweetness 
of man's praise. So, Lord, let thy life be born 
within us and grow to power and in thy mercy use 
our gifts to help the revelation of thy love. Amen. 



August 19 — Good Stewards of God's Gifts 

Above all things being fervent in your love among 
yourselves; for love cover eth a multitude of sins: 
using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 
according as each hath received a gift, ministering it 
among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold 
grace of God. — 1 Pet. 4 ' 8. 

Thou, true Wealth and Hope of men, our 
Father and the Fountain of all truth and grace, 
help us to use what thou hast given us of earthly 
good for righteousness and the upbuilding of thy 
kingdom. Take entire possession that our hearts 
may not be set upon any gift which belongs wholly 
to the earth. Teach us to manage our affairs as 
thy steward, that our thrift may not become a curse 
either to us or to thy poor. Let us not be lavish, 
lest we lose an opportunity of power, or mean, lest 
we bear false witness to thy work in us; or careless, 
lest we hurt where we desire to bless. Let not the 
love of money become a root of evil in our hearts 
and to this end give us a great love for the mercy 
and brotherly kindness revealed in the life and death 
of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen, 



178 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

August 20 — Wisdom from Experience 

All chastening seemeth for the present to be not 
joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable 
fruit unto. them that have been exercised thereby, even 
the fruit of righteousness. Wherefore lift up the 
hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; and 
make straight paths for your feet, that that which is 
lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed. 
— Heb.12 : 11. 

Let grief and pain bring vision, G thou Giver of 
all good to men, that we may see thy face in our 
distress as of a near and sympathizing friend. 
When the clouds gather, let thy light shine clear. 
When the earth fails, assure us of our inheritance In 
Christ, begun already and eternal in the heavens. 
Let neither tears nor laughter blind our eyes, lest 
we should miss the tokens of thy presence in the 
changes of our time and the dear sense of fellowship 
with all our brothers of the common hope and joy. 

thou who art ever with us to uplift and comfort 
and inspire, show us more perfectly the meaning of 
earth's life that we may be devoted to the larger 
service and the higher love. So redeem us from all 
evil that we may serve thee joyfully. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

August 21 — A Stalwart Faith 

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like 
men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love. — 

1 Cor. 16 : 13. 

For the strength Thou givest and that comes, from 
thee alone we ask in the name of him who was the 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 179 

Son of Man, our brother and our friend. Let us 
not be weaklings in the earth, crippled with sin, 
blind with self-love, deaf to the higher voices, un- 
ready when our opportunity appears. Strengthen 
us with might in the inner man that we may be 
alert for thy confidence and effective instruments 
of thy purpose. We would be strong for thee, that 
w*e ma}^ do thy will: strong for others, that we may 
serve our generation while the day lasts: strong in 
faith and clear in purpose, looking out upon the 
world with open eyes and hearts exalted by our 
sympathy with men. So may we bear true witness 
of thy presence with us. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

August 22 — The Holy City 

He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the 
temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: 
and I will write upon him the name of my God, and 
the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, 
which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and 
mine own new name. — Rev. 3 : 12. 

Give me some part, my Father, in making ready 
for the coming of thy holy city in the earth. Give 
me vision, lest I spend myself in transitory things. 
Open my eyes to see thee present with thy people, 
that I may keep a cheerful and courageous faith 
through all perplexing experiences. Make my 
heart serene and strong, as befits a citizen of thy 
dwelling-place that even now is coming down from 
heaven to earth. Kindle in my thoughts a whole- 
some discontent with folly and a righteous anger 
with injustice and neglect that spoil Christ's in- 



180 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

heritance in man. And let the song of the heavenly 
Jerusalem echo in the joy of my heart as I go about 
thy work. Let the full triumph come when thou 
wilt, but let me joyfully remember that the time 
of thy desire and my endeavor is todajr. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 

August 23 — Sustaining Strength 

As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord will 
save me. . . . God will hear, and answer them, even 
He that abideth of old. . . . Cast thy burden upon 
the Lord, and he will sustain thee. He will never 
suffer the righteous to be moved. — Psalm 55 : 16. 

Source of all power and light, our Father in 
heaven, we thank thee for the sustaining strength 
which thou hast ever afforded us and by which 
we are kept from hour to hour. With desirous 
hearts we turn to thee for help to follow thy com- 
mandments and to fulfil thy thought of what our 
life should be. Open our eyes to see. Give pa- 
tience in doubt and trouble. Uphold us with 
tenacity of courage that we may devote ourselves 
willingly to all that thou hast given us to do. Let 
us not tremble and grow faint before the forces of 
the world. thou, our Refuge and our Hope, for 
thine own name's sake suffer us not to fall or be 
discouraged, but let thy mercy strengthen us con- 
tinually with the joy of Christ our Lord. Amen. 

August 24 — Our Pilot 

And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, 
insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: 
but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awoke 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 181 

him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish. And he saith 
unto them, Why are ye fearful, ye of little faith? 
Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; 
and there was a great calm. — Matt. 8 : 2^. 

Lord, be thou our Pilot and shape our course what 
way thou wilt. Give us cheerful courage and never 
let us go moping to our trials. Be thou our Light 
and our Salvation and we shall never doubt our 
safe arrival at thy chosen port of joy. Let sunshine 
and clear weather remind us of thy pleasure in our 
joy, and when the storm breaks, help us to remember 
that it drives us faster home. Make our cheer de- 
pend upon thy presence and not upon what the day 
gives in outward seeming. And help us to be faith- 
ful workers and good companions of the voyage with 
thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



August 25 — In the Morning Watch 

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer . . . who 
teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way that 
thou shouldest go. that thou hadst hearkened to 
my commandments; then had thy peace been as a 
river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. — 
Is. 48 : 17. 

Joy of the loving heart, God our Saviour who 
hast filled our lips with song, in the morning we 
would wake with thee. Give strength for toil, and 
hope in sorrow. Purify our hearts, that with all 
thy gifts we may have more of thee. Thou very 
present help and leader of our souls, show us more of 
thyself, that we may study to do thy will upon the 
earth. Aid and enable us to walk before thee in 



182 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

faith and joyful obedience. Open our eyes to judge 
between good and ill and between the lesser and the 
greater things. Let no false word or enticing deceit 
mislead us, or any vain and distant hope withdraw 
our thoughts from present duty. So, by thy Spirit 
working in our hearts, transform our weak desires 
and faint beliefs into the strength of faithfulness, 
and build us anew in the image of thy Son. In his 
name. Amen. 

August 26 — Clear Vision 

And he opened the book and found the place where 
it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, 
because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the 
poor: he hath sent me to proclaim release to the 
captives and recovering of sight to the blind . . . to 
proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. — Luke 
4:17; Is. 61 : 1. 

Lord, deliver us from our illusions — from the 
deceit of the flesh, the glamor of the world, the 
snares of temptation. Help us to see all clearly, 
as thou seest, in right form and true relations. 
Let us not mistake good for evil, or the lesser for 
the higher good of life. Yet, Lord, keep for us the 
simplicities of childhood and the poetry of the 
common life. May the teaching of experience in 
this school of thine own ordering on earth confirm 
our faith, increase our knowledge of thy purposes of 
love and glorify our visions. Let not our hearts 
grow cold or our thoughts hard, as we see through 
masks and shams to the reality of life. For of thee 
and of thy love and truth comes all charm as well 
as all reality. Show us these high beauties of the 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 183 

earth and fit us by them to enjoy thy nobler gifts 
of beauty and of love when we go hence to dwell 
in thy house forevermore. Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



August 27 — Our Need of God 

/ will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence 
cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, 
which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer 
thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not 
slumber. — Psalm 121 : 1. 

Touch our hearts, God our Father, with a deep 
sense of our continuing need of thee. thou who 
art the life of our life, we desire to know thee and to 
taste the comfort of thy presence. In the hour of 
our distress uphold us. Let thy blessing come to 
all petitioning souls, granting that which they need 
according to the measure of thy foreseeing love. 
Purge our hearts of all selfish wishes, that we may 
draw near in the full confidence of children. Deliver 
us and all men, we beseech thee, from hate and 
cruelty. Let our war-stricken earth become the 
kingdom of thy Son our Lord. And by the in- 
dwelling and communion of thy Holy Spirit teach us 
how to pray and how to live in the way of thy 
commandments. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



August 28 — Our Source of Strength 

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the 
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of 
them whose heart is perfect toward him. — 2 Chr. 16 : 9. 



184 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Still be thou, Lord, our refuge and our resting 
place, the fountain of our strength, the source of our 
delight. Help us to abide in thy presence and show 
forth thy power. Forgive our lapses into selfishness 
and our forgettings, and let the glory of the life 
which thou hast given us to share keep us from 
love of sin. Enlarge our sympathies that we may 
understand the thoughts of our companions in the 
way. Teach us to be just and considerate with all 
men and brotherly in thought of our fellow-disciples. 
And may the divine example of our Lord work in us 
a spirit of reverence and a desire of holiness, that we 
may be children of the loving Father who sent him 
as healer and leader into our troubled and sinning 
w r orld. And these things we ask in his name. 
Amen. 

August 29 — Our Own Place and Work 

For I say, through the grace that was given unto me, 
to every man that is among you, not to think of himself 
more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as 
to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each 
man a measure of faith. For even as we have many 
members in one body, and all the members have not the 
same office; so we, who are many, are one body in 
Christ, and severally members one of another. — 
Rom. 12 : 3. 

Give us, Lord, our own true place and work on 
earth. Listen not to our vain wish that leans so 
quickly to presumption, but give according to thine 
own wise thought and love. Choose not too large a 
place, lest we be brought to shame before thee. Give 
not too small a place, lest we fail in that full measure 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 185 

of service which is due. Choose thou, and fit us to 
the work which thou shalt choose. Help us to have 
large ambitions of fidelity and minds at peace in 
faith. May we enjoy our work, knowing that 
strength and wisdom are of thee and that thou re- 
joicest in thy children's joy. And may this life, 
spent in the way of thine appointment, fit us for that 
place which Christ our Lord has gone to prepare. 
Amen. 

August 30 — Heart Confidence 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they 
follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they 
shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of 
my hand. My Father, v)ho hath given them unto me, 
is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch aught 
out of my Father's hand. — John 10 : 27. 

Father in heaven, who ever makest provision for 
thy children's need, be with us in all hours of weari- 
ness. Cure our disheartenments by the medicine of 
our glad remembrance of thy care. In the day of our 
foreboding, be thou our refuge and content. 
thou who speakest to our hearts in solitude, help us 
to turn away from the tumults and excitements of 
the world, though it be but for a moment, that we 
may listen for thy voice and learn thy will, and give 
our hearts anew into thy keeping. Uphold and de- 
fend us in work and trial, and deliver us from trou- 
ble for thy name's sake. So plan thou our lot, and 
so reveal thyself in our hearts, that we may be 
ready to follow thee wherever thou goest with 
fearless hearts of faith. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



186 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 



August 31 — God Our Rest 

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will de- 
clare what he hath done for my soul. . . . If I had re- 
garded iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not hear: 
but verily God hath heard; . . . Blessed be God, who 
hath not turned away my prayer, nor his loving kind- 
ness from me. — Psalm 66 : 16. 

Speak to us, God, in words of calm and power 
that the troubled sea of our desires and griefs may 
be at rest. We have striven and failed. We have 
climbed and fallen, we have hoped and been disap- 
pointed, but we thank thee that we have never 
sought for thee with our whole heart but we have 
found thee close at hand. May all our purest and 
most intimate affections speak to us of thine en- 
during, all-embracing love. When we are weary, 
teach us to remember that thou weariest not. When 
we have failed lead us to take refuge in the thought 
of thy long-suffering pity and enduring righteous- 
ness. When we are overburdened and distressed, 
lift thou up our hearts to thee. In all experiences 
let thy completion meet and sustain our incomple- 
tion. Everywhere add gift to gift until our hearts 
are glad. So hold us, Lord, above the level of our 
doubts and fears, so quicken us to childlike trust, so 
glorify thyself in us through work and pleasure, life 
and death, that we may share the peace of God that 
passeth understanding. In the name of Jesus 
Christ, whom thou hast made our peace. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 187 

September 1 — The Duties of a Man 

Then- the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind 
and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will de- 
mand of thee and declare thou unto me. — Job Jfi : 6. 

He hath showed thee, man, what is good, and 
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, 
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. 

— Micah 6 : 8. 

Lord, thou hast made me a man; by thy favor and 
assistance help me to become a man after thine own 
heart, strong, just, fearless, resolute, considerate 
and kind. Make me like Christ in steadfast purpose 
and in brotherhood toward men. Give me thy light 
for guidance on my way, and let thy presence be my 
resort and confidence in weariness. Give me some- 
thing of the adventurous soul of youth, but increase 
in my heart that wisdom which thy Holy Spirit 
teaches. Give me friends in whose companionship 
I may both help and learn. Let me become a sharer 
of thy thoughts and give me that part which thou 
hast chosen for me in the building of thy kingdom. 
So let me have a man's place before thee, whether 
through life or death. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

September 2 — Transforming Drudgery 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I 
have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of 
Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with 
the Spirit of God, in wisdom and in understanding 
and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. 

— Ex. 31 : 1. 

What mean such mighty works wrought by his 



188 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? 
and . . . are not his sisters here with us? — Mark 
6:2. 

Lord of the eventful and the uneventful days, 
who art ever with us, so shape the voyage of our life 
in calm and storm that we may come at last to the 
port of thy eternal peace, free from all evil and cured 
of fear. We ask thee, in remembrance of our 
Lord's still years in Nazareth, that thou wouldst 
keep us faithful, even as he, in all the duties of our 
calling and the relations in which we live with 
men. Transfigure drudgery by the glory of thy 
presence. Uplift all the needful lowlinesses of our 
daily service into the air of heaven, where it is thy 
children's joy to do thy will. Accept the sacrifice 
of our renunciations and thanksgivings and satisfy 
our hearts with love and sustaining in our times of 
fear. So teach us to rest in thee, not seeking things 
too high for us, but reaching forth in faith and hope 
toward the fulfilment of thy purpose in the world. 
Amen. 

September 3 — Life without Anxiety 

For this is as the waters of Noah unto me; for as I 
have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go 
over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be wroth 
with thee nor rebuke thee. For the mountains may 
depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness 
shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant 
of peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy 
upon thee. — Is. 54 : 9. 

God, who carest for us with a father's love, we 
come in our necessity of sin and weakness to ask 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 189 

provision for this day and faith to rest our hearts on 
thee for all the years. We would learn to live with- 
out anxiety, even as Christ required. Feed us 
with bread sufficient for us. Help us to take thy 
gifts with thankful hearts, not complaining that 
they are too little, but seeking in them the full joy 
and good thou hast intended for us. We thank 
thee for yesterday, when thou didst sustain us. 
We bless thee for thy presence today and for the 
assurance of thine unceasing love and care. We seek 
thy presence and thy blessing for the days to come. 
thou who completest our insufficiency and fillest 
up the measure of our need with punctual and un- 
failing good, reveal thyself and let thy kingdom 
come! In the name of Christ. Amen. 

September 4 — The Coming of Good Will 

Who is wise and understanding among you? let 
him show by his good life his works in meekness of 
wisdom. . . . But the wisdom that is from above is 
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, 
full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, with- 
out hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is 
sown in peace for them that make peace. — James 
3 : 13. 

Lord, we thank thee for thy wondrous gift 
of love and divine mercy and new hope and a con- 
tinuing comradeship with Jesus Christ, thy Son 
our Lord. Let his coming in our hearts bring joy 
and gladness as when the angels sang above the 
fields of the shepherds and Mary watched the wise 
men at the cradle of the child. Teach us the lesson 
of good will that was proclaimed when he gave his 



190 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

life for men, and enable us to make our lives a gift 
of helpful service. Forgive us all withholdings of 
our hearts and hands in which we have denied com- 
panionship with the ministrant life of Christ, and 
enable us to be constant and patient in our thoughts 
for others. So let our work be approved in thy sight 
and our joy abound as a witness to the world of thy 
great gift. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

September 5 — The Honor of Work 

Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps 
burning; and be ye yourselves like unto men looking 
for their lord. . . . Blessed are those servants whom 
the lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I 
say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make 
them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. 
— Luke 12 :S5. 

Father, whose will it was that thy dear Son should 
be born to poverty and that he should work with his 
own hands for bread, we thank thee for the honor 
thou hast paid to the estate of labor in which we also 
have our part. As love of those for whom he toiled 
brought Jesus heart's content; as he grew weary 
and found rest sweet; as all experience brought him 
near to thee; so may we also, through thy loving 
care, have, cheer in toil and rest of heart. Though 
our reward be little, let sharing make it sweet. 
May we take thy gifts with thankfulness in all 
simplicity of faith and confidence of hope. Keep 
our souls clean of covetousness. Increase our de- 
light in thee that we may cease to envy others to 
whom thou hast given the lesser gifts in larger 
measure. So may our joy bear witness and our 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 191 

honest labor recommend our Lord. And pardon our 
transgressions for his sake. Amen. 

September 6 — For Social Justice 

Woe unto him that birildeth his house by unrighteous- 
ness . . . that useth his neighbor's service without 
wages, and giveth him not his hire. . . . Shalt thou 
reign because thou viest with the cedar? Did not thy 
father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? 
then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the 
poor and needy; then it was well. Was not this to know 
me? saith the Lord. — Jer. 22 : 13. 

God most merciful, teach us to be considerate, 
just and true in all relations with our neighbors. 
Bring our hearts in willing obedience under thy law 
of fellow-service and good will. Guard our thoughts 
and acts, lest we have part in the oppression of the 
poor or in refusal of justice to those who have had 
lesser opportunities than ours. May the uplift of all 
the people be our innermost desire. Make us good 
workmen, good neighbors, seeking gain for others 
as well as for ourselves, patient under trials, rejoicing 
in the promise of thy kingdom and seeking its ful- 
filment in the brotherhood of men. Deliver our na- 
tion from envy, coveting and hatred, and help us 
to use all thou hast given us for the good of all. In 
the name of Christ our Brother. Amen. 

September 7 — The Transforming Spirit 

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the 
kingdom of God? It is like unto leaven, which a 
woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it 
was all leavened. — Luke 13 : 20. 



192 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Spirit of the Living God, thou Master Builder of 
the redeemed and holy character of men, dwell in 
my heart, I pray thee, and transform my will until 
it seeks the highest good of all. Control and purify 
my affections, until thy love finds echo in my love 
and all my friendships are glorified. Direct my 
thoughts, until they reflect thy thoughts as in a 
serene and living stream. Let not sin have dominion 
over me, or doubt disturb my joy, or the complex- 
ities and cares of life destroy my simplicity of faith 
and love. Use me, God, in thy great work on 
earth. Let me share Christ's joy in mercy and in 
service. Make the earth bright in stormy days with 
the sunlight of thy presence and lead me in thy way 
of peace and strength. In the name of Christ. 
Amen, 

September 8 — Bringing Forth Fruit 

By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather 
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good 
tree bring eth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree 
bring eth forth evil fruit. . . . Therefore by their fruits 
ye shall know them. — Matt. 7 : 16. 

Thy desire be my desire, Lord, thy will my will, 
that thou mayest be glorified in my bringing forth 
much fruit. Help me to cherish great ambitions in 
thy service, an unquenchable enthusiasm, a watch- 
ful perseverance. Let me not seek great honor or a 
worshiped name, but with all my heart desire to live 
up to the limit of my capacity for service. Let thy 
trust in me become my glory. Let me see all things 
in relation to thy kingdom and Christ as Lord of all. 
Give me broad and deep thoughts of thy sympathy 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 193 

in both sorrow and delight. Help me to give myself 
to others with like joy and freedom. So may the 
peace of heaven's pure service begin for me in willing 
service to thy children here on earth. Amen. 

September 9 — Peace in Perplexity 

This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and 
saved him out of all his troubles. ... taste and see 
that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that taketh 
refuge in him. fear the Lord, ye his saints; for there 
is no want to them that fear him. — Psalm 34- : 6. 

We thank thee, in our perplexities, God, that 
there is no perplexity with thee. thou that 
knowest the end from the beginning and in love hast 
made all souls whom thou hast made, into thy 
hands we would commit our uncertain way, that by 
thy guidance all our going may be made sure. Since 
perfect vision is beyond our reach, give us the faith 
and peace of the childlike heart. Forgive us our dis- 
trusts and all the sins and follies which have made 
darkness in our souls; and shed abroad thy light for 
revelation and for joy. thou, unchangeable in 
love, delighting in mercy, bringing good to pass 
where evil seemed to triumph, let us never despair or 
give back in the conflict; but bring victory, we be- 
seech thee, that it may be the foretaste of thy king- 
dom and grant us that open vision thou keepest for 
the pure in heart. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

September 10 — The Antidote to Worry 

Behold he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor 
sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade 
upon thy right hand. . . . The Lord will keep thee 



194 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

from all evil; he will keep thy soul. The Lord will 
keep thy going out and thy coming in from this time 
forth and for evermore. — Psalm 121 : 4- 

O Lord, my God, teach me to distinguish and di- 
vide, for I know I have never gained by worry, 
though I have often lost by lack of needful care. 
Help me that I may not go burdened when thou 
wouldst have me free, or become heedless where thou 
hast commanded me to watch and be sober. Let the 
foundation of my trust be in thy loving mercy and 
the motive of my care in a desire for better service. 
Teach me to forget myself in thinking of the work 
thou givest me to do and thus in quietness of heart 
let me have rest and strength. Set me wholly free 
from anxieties which spring out of the vanities and 
falsities of the earth, that I may walk in the sim- 
plicity of heart which becomes thy child, free from 
all grumblings, impatient agitations of spirit, envy- 
ings, jealousies and suspicions, with joy and glad- 
ness and a grateful heart for all thy gifts. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 

September 11 — Intercession 

See that none render unto any evil for evil; but 
always follow after that which is good / one toward 
another and toward all. Rejoice always; pray with- 
out ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the 
will of God in Jesus Christ to you-ward. — 1 Thess. 
5 : 15. 

Lord, whose promise is that no true prayer shall 
fail of blessing, help us to keep on praying, though 
our wishes seem to fail or be postponed. We have 
asked thee often for the coming of thy kingdom; 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 195 

hear us, as we pray once more that it may come. 
May it come first in our own hearts, that we may 
enter into thy most wise and loving thoughts and 
learn to do our part toward the fulfilment of our 
prayers. Forget not those whom we have com- 
mended to thy mercy again, and yet again. Assure 
our faith that it shall be well with them. Speak 
to our hearts while we wait before thee, that we 
may go forth with joyful and obedient alacrity, 
armed for all trials and ready to be watchful in all 
opportunities of love and service. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

September 12 — The Measure of Life 

And that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 
and put on the new man, which after God is created in 
righteousness and holiness of truth. — Eph. 4 •" 23. 

Our Heavenly Father, in thy love and thy com- 
mandments would we find the true measure of the 
life thou hast given us. Teach us, walking in thy 
way, to know the joy of going forward; having thy 
gifts, to share the peace of a child's faith and hope. 
We desire through the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit, 
to become familiar with the ways of thy household 
and quick in sympathy with all that thou art doing 
in the earth. Keep us from mistaking other mea- 
sures of life's worth for thine. Give us the art of 
brotherly living, after the pattern of Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Fulfil to us in thine own time the joy 
thou hast promised them who love thee and make 
our hearts warm with the true answering love of 
children to their father. And .these great gifts we 
ask of thee through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



196 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

September 13 — The Alert Disciple 

And he cometh and findeth them sleeping, and saith 
unto Peter, Simon, steepest thou? Couldst thou not 
watch one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not 
into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the 
flesh is weak. — Mark. 14 : 37. 

Lord, who hast given us eyes to see and hearts 
to meditate upon the things which concern thy 
kingdom, help us to be always watchful lest we 
fail in that which thou hast committed to our 
care. Let us not be overcome of sudden evil, and 
strengthen thou our hearts against the constant 
allurement of our easily-besetting sins. Show us 
thy thought of the proportion of our lives lest in 
grasping little things we lose the best. Give 
quick discernment of the purpose of thy 
love, that we may always work with thee. 
May no opportunity of helpfulness escape our 
thought because of careless ease or greed of pleasure. 
Help us to be strong and glad, to watch for Christ's 
appearing as our glorious hope. And keep thou 
our hearts in constant peace. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

September 14 — God the Fountain 

And he showed me a river of water of life, bright 
as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of 
the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof. And 
on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, 
bearing twelve manner of fruits, . . . and the leaves 
of the tree were for the healing of the nations. — Rev . 
22 : 1. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 197 

Thou, true Fountain of all life and light, our 
Father and our loving and unfailing Help, without 
thee we are poor and sorrowful but in thy service 
we would be made strong and free. Aid and 
establish us in the work which thou hast given us to 
do, refresh us in our weariness, give peace of heart 
and fill us with good courage and delight in helpful- 
ness through all the changes of our days. Blessed 
be thou, our Loving Father, for all the joys that we 
have known, for victories won, uplifting after 
sinful falls, for the rich outpouring of thy life in 
Jesus Christ our Lord, for simplicity of faith, 
peace of the trustful heart and joy of brotherhood. 
None can replace thee, none can exhaust thee; 
in thy abundance may our souls have confidence 
and rest. Make us channels of thy grace and help 
to others, according to thy mercy, and let thy king- 
dom come, Lord of Love. Amen. 



September 15 — God's Will for Us 

Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in 
the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought 
to walk and to "please God, even as ye do walk, — that 
ye abound more and more. . . . For this is the will of 
God, even your sanctification. — 1 Thess. 1^:1. 

Fulfil thine own desire in me, Lord my God, 
that thou mayest find delight in my swift growth 
toward the perfection of my nature. Weary of my 
own desires which lead to disappointment or leave 
my spirit open to the lure of swift temptation, let 
my thought henceforth be the thought which thou 
hast of me and for me. Give me a better measure of 



198 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

the worth of life, that I may discern between trivial- 
ities and the great concerns of thy kingdom. And 
assure my heart of thy love more perfectly. While 
I know that I am precious in thy sight, let me not 
think too meanly of myself or become blind to op- 
portunities which thou hast set before me. And let 
my love have the warmth and strength of this as- 
surance of faith in Christ through busy and through 
quiet days. Amen. 



September 16 — For a Responsive Heart 

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face: my heart said 
unto thee. Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy 
face from me: put not thy servant away in anger: thou 
hast been my help; cast me not off, neither forsake me, 
God of my salvation. — Psalms 27 : 8. 

Give us responsive hearts, God our strength, 
calling us where and to what work thou wilt. Make 
us swift to welcome new adventures in thy world of 
fresh experience and -continual growth. Have pity 
on our hindering weakness and rid us of the burden 
of our sin. Where thou hast hedged us in, we thank 
thee that thy heavens of prayer are open for our 
desire to be with thee in all thy w T ork for man. By 
thy favor may we run gladly on the way, seeking 
new opportunities, led as thou choosest, assured of 
thy sustaining and the fellowship of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Give us this joy of venturing forth and the 
continual delight of using thine own gifts for thee. 
So enable us to help our brothers in earth's need and 
to reflect a little of thy light into the shadowed 
places. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 199 

September 17 — The Upward Look 

magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name 
together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and 
delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him 
and were lightened; and their faces shall never be 
confounded. — Psalm 34 : 3. 

Thou who art ever at hand to hear our cry, always 
pitiful and never forgetting, keep thou our hearts at 
peace in all busy and troubled hours. When we 
have no time for petition, let our least thought that 
runs to thee find welcome and response. Measure 
not thy forgiveness by the imperfection of our ask- 
ing, nor thy mercy by the multitude of our neglects, 
but grant us help and joy according to thine infinite 
and patient love. When cares lie heavy upon us, 
sustain us by thy might. When clouds are dark 
above us, let the sunlight of thy love strike through. 
Let there be no throng too great for the sense of thy 
companionship, no work too absorbing to shut out 
thoughts of thee. In the hour of swift temptation 
may we turn swiftly to the ever-open way that leads 
us home. Shine brighter and clearer, thou our 
light, to the perfect day of thy full presence. Amen. 



September 18 — The Source of Strength 

He that walketh righteously and despiseth the gain 
of oppressions . . . shall dwell on high: his place of 
defence shall be the munitions of rocks: his bread shall 
be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall 
see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land 
that is very far off. — Is. 33 : 15. 



200 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Lord God, who knowest the ways of all, so in thy 
mercy guard us against the weakness and forgetful- 
ness of our own hearts that we fall not into grievous 
sins of wish or thought. Let thy light shine clearly, 
that the false lights of sin's illusion may not deceive 
us and that we may see all things that are needful 
for our good. Teach us to recognize evil at its first 
coming and give no open door. Bring order out of 
the confusion of our thoughts, and simplicity out of 
their complexity. Help us to fill our lives with thy 
love, thy mercy in Christ, thy kingdom; and with 
desires and endeavors of good to men. So let there 
be no longer room in our hearts for transgression or 
complaining; but for love and joy and peace. For 
thou art our good and by thy life we live. Amen. 



September 19 — As Lights in the World 

Do all things without murmuring s and questionings ; 
that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of 
God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and per- 
verse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in 
the world, holding forth the word of life. — Phil. 2 : 14- 

Thou who hast made us lights in the world, help 
us to shine for others through the indwelling of thy 
holy Light. Keep our hearts from evil and our lips 
from guile, and may no pride or folly dim the shining 
of thy presence in our souls. Make us like thyself, 
Christ, and may the influence of our daily lives be 
for thy glory. Let thy Good Spirit guide our 
thoughts and words and thy true light be clear for joy 
and servdce all our days. For thou art our Light 
and Hope forevermore. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 201 

September 20 — The Sin of Envy 

But let the brother of low degree glory in his 
high estate; and the rich in that he is made low; 
because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 
For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and 
wither eth the grass; . . . so shall the rich man fade 
away in his goings. — James 1:9. 

Deliver us, God, from the sin and torment of 
envious souls and teach us to be just and loving in 
our thoughts of others. Hast thou not work for 
all? Oh, strengthen us to carry through what thou 
hast given us as our share of endeavor for the up- 
building of thy kingdom! Satisfy our hearts with 
thy presence and the assurance of thy just award 
when most we crave or miss the praise of men. 
Let not our failures tempt us to grudge the triumphs 
of our brothers. thou, who art the judge of all 
men's deeds, our Father and helper in the trials of 
our lives, be thou our light upon the disappoint- 
ments of the earth. We thank thee for the fellow- 
ship of thy great family. Enable us to love our 
brothers generously and sincerely, rejoicing in their 
good and giving honor to their labors. Be thou 
our deepest satisfaction and reward, and let thy 
kingdom come. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

September 21 — The Obedient Heart 

Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind be 
sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace which is 
to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 
as children of obedience . . . like as he who called 
you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of 



202 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

living; because it is written , Ye shall be holy, for I 
am holy. — 1 Pet. 1 : 13. 

Cure us, God our Father, of that blind willful- 
ness which has so often led astray from thee. Help 
us to make a full surrender of our will to thine, to 
follow in the way of thy commandments stead- 
fastly for thy love's sake. Make thy will plain and 
give us strength to do it. In all renunciation which 
thy wisdom asks leave us no hiding place of self- 
deception, nor let us doubt or fear the purpose of 
thy love. Be pitiful toward the weakness of our 
flesh and spirit and lead us by the hand, lest we 
should slip and fall and turn again toward that 
which thou hast forbidden. Give us grace to do thy 
will with joy, and not with grudging, leaving all 
needs and wishes of our hearts and lives to thee, 
whose love is our eternal hope. And unto thee, 
through Christ, be praise. Amen. 

September 22 — Taking Thought for Others 

We know that we have passed out of death into life, 
because we love the brethren. He that loveth not 
abideth in death. . . . Hereby know we love, because 
he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down 
our lives for the brethren. — 1 John 3 : H. 

Thou who understandest me altogether and 
art acquainted with all my griefs, give me also an 
understanding and a sympathizing heart. Father 
and Lover of us all, teach thy children to take 
thought one for another. Let me not center my 
life in self and be careless of others. Quicken in 
me a love like thine and make me a true brother in 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 203 

thy house of life. Thou hast set limits to my power 
to aid, yet I thank thee that thine own power is 
infinite and that, by me or by another, thy purposes 
of mercy shall not fail. Teach me neither to be 
sluggish nor impatient, and let me have for a reward 
of suffering and loss, that they shall draw me nearer 
those whom thou hast made my fellows in the school 
of grief. Assure my heart that there is peace at 
last and joy that cannot perish in thy house. Amen . 



September 23 — Holding on Our Way 

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the 
grace that is in Christ Jesus. . . . Take thy part in 
suffering hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 
No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs 
of this life: that he may please him who enrolled him 
as a soldier. — 2 Tim. 2:1. 

Lord, let me hold thy way, though it lead through 
the valley of the shadow of death, and let thy 
presence give me strength to endure to the end. 
Thou, who hast foretold trouble, show me its mean- 
ing for my growth and for my service to the needs of 
others. Let me not, I beseech thee, pass this way, 
by which all the children of the Father come, and 
bring no profit from the experience. Nor let me 
mourn my lost treasures and opportunities as if I 
had no life. but that which is sustained by earth's 
bread and rejoiced by earth's delight. Make the 
bread of thy word real to my hunger and the joy of 
thy communion satisfying to my thirst through 
Christ who loved me and gave himself for me. And 
to thy name be praise. Amen, 



204 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

September 24 — Our Life God's Plan 

Thou whom I have taken hold of from the ends of 
the earth . . . and said unto thee, Thou art my 
servant f I have chosen thee and not cast thee away: 
fear not thou, for I am with thee; look not around thee, 
for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will 
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand 
of my righteousness. — 7s. J^l : 9. 

God, who didst plan and make man in thine 
own image and send thy Son to share our life and 
death, help us to fulfill thy thought of pure and holy 
lives. Care for our bodies, enrich and inform our 
minds, quicken our spirits by the indwelling of thy 
holy life. Pardon our sins for Jesus' sake. Make us 
gentle, brave and true, patient and strong in self- 
restraint, and swift to minister to others in their 
need. We rejoice in our humanity because it is 
always open to thy touch and care. Abide with us 
that our hearts may be at rest in thee. Make of 
us men and women after thine own heart. Give us 
thy work to do on earth and open to us the riches of 
the inheritance of thy life. For the sake of Christ, 
the Son of Man, our Lord. Amen. 

September 25 — For the Poor and Troubled 

But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his 
brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from 
him, how doth the love of God abide in him? My little 
children, let us not love in word, neither with the 
tongue, but in deed and in truth. — 1 John 3 : 17. 

God, the Father and Helper of us all, who hast 
made us almoners of thy bounty by the gifts of thy 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 205 

mercy for which we give thee thanks, remember at 
this time we beseech thee, in the name of him who 
for our sakes chose poverty and had not where to lay 
his head, all those who are in want and distress 
among our neighbors and in the whole wide brother- 
hood of the world. Be thou the father of the father- 
less and a helper and upholder of the weak. Teach 
us the sympathy of heart that makes us considerate, 
open-eyed for others' need and open-handed in our 
ministries. Remember especially with wisdom, 
courage, faith and love all the faithful ministers to 
the needy in all our cities, towns and villages. 
Awaken in us a deeper sense of social justice and keep 
us from sins of greed and from all hardening of the 
heart through selfishness. Remember those who 
live in poverty of soul and rouse them to their op- 
portunity of sharing in thy higher gifts. And make 
us thankful in thy provision for our need which clears 
our way to do our work in life. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

September 26 — Guarding the Tongue 

But the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, 
it is full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we the 
Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are 
made in the image of God: out of the same mouth Com- 
eth forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these 
things ought not so to be. — James 3:8. 

Keep us, God, in continual remembrance of thy 
mercy, that we may never fall into censorious judg- 
ments or the folly of unkind words. So impress our 
minds with the need of diligence that we may labor 
joyfully in the work to which thou hast called us 



206 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

and find no room for malice or spitefulness. Teach 
us to hold judgment in suspense, while charity runs 
freely. We thank thee that thou knowest us alto- 
gether, thou most loving and most just! Let all our 
relations with our fellows be those of brotherhood 
and may we seek the deeper experiences of our lives 
in kindly social relations. So may we ever dwell 
with thee, who art the Father of our spirits and with 
thy Son, the elder brother of us all. In his name. 
Amen. 

September 27 — Joy Unspoiled 

Who by the power of God are guarded through faith 
unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 
Wherein ye greatly rejoice. . . . Receiving the end of 
your faith , even the salvation of your souls. — 1 Pet, 
1 :5. 

Let the joy of my heart be found in that which 
thou approvest, my God, that it may endure un- 
spoiled through all the changes of the world. Let 
me neither dread nor forget the immortal life in which 
the fruits of present thought and action shall ap- 
pear, lest I live as the beasts live, only for today. I 
thank thee for the deeper workings of thy purpose, 
which keep so much in store for days to come. And 
I thank thee also, for the joys and opportunities of 
this good day which thou hast given. Help me to 
make the most of it, in work and play, with simple 
faith and a quiet heart. And may some of its 
thoughts and experiences afford me happy memo- 
ries. So keep me from the taint of sin, the fever of 
distrust, and let my life be Christlike in its joy and 
service. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 207 

September 28 — In the Middle Watch 

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him 
and he will bring it to pass. And he will make thy 
righteousness to go forth as the light, and thy justice as 
the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for 
him: fret not thyself because of him that prosper eth in 
his way. — Psalm 37 : 5. 

Lord, have mercy on us in the middle watch, when 
the darkness is about us and the light of thy prom- 
ise seems far away in the delaying morn. Give us 
thy presence for prophecy and cheer. Teach us to 
weigh the values of present attainment and the hopes 
of deeper power and joy that are set before thy chil- 
dren. Teach us thine own patience with the slow 
movement of the years and the delays of our experi- 
ence in faith and hope. While we feel the power of 
the monotonies of life, yea, even though we ourselves 
are weary, let us turn to share our comforts with our 
neighbor and to aid him in his disheartened hours. 
So between human and divine companionships, may 
we go forward with high courage and with unshrink- 
ing confidence, finding the marks of our Elder 
Brother in the changes and adventures of the way. 
In his name. Amen. 

September 29 — Remembering God 

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord 
thy God hath led thee . . . to prove thee, to know what 
was in thy heart, . . . and suffered thee to hunger, 
and fed thee with manna . . . that he might make 
thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by 
everything that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord 
doth man live. — Deut. 8:2. 



208 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

God, who hast made thy presence known in the 
experiences of our common life, help us to seek and 
find thee in the affairs of every day and to interpret 
all that we see by thy purposes of love toward thy 
children. Let bread on our common tables remind 
us of him whom thou didst send for the bread of our 
spirit's life; and the cup, of his sacrifice for our sal- 
vation. Teach us to find thee in our daily work and 
to ask thy fellowship in recreation. Deepen our 
thoughts of life and even of the despised or forgotten 
things that serve our need from hour to hour. Keep 
us from contempt, knowing that all things have 
meaning in thy thought and serve thy holy will. 
So let the spirit of reverence and the desire for 
knowledge light the way in which we walk with thee. 
Amen. 

September 30 — The Trial of the Furnace 

That the proof of your faith, being more precious 
than gold that perisheth, though it be proved by fire, 
may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the 
revelation of Jesus Christ: whom not having seen ye 
love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing 
ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. — 
1 Pet 1 : 7. 

Not unto us, Lord, be glory for the victories 
thou hast enabled us to win, but to the overcoming 
love of Christ and the good leading of thy Holy 
Spirit. Thou hast tried us as silver is tried and if we 
have come forth from the furnace purified, we thank 
thee that in these very experiences we may show 
some reflection of thy life and light. In thine own 
time, in thine own way, transform us wholly into 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 209 

the image of thy helpful life and perfect love. We 
ask not for prosperity, lest it should prove a snare. 
We dare not ask for trial lest it prove too heavy for 
our feeble strength and we fall under the yoke 
of sin. Lead us not into temptation, our Father! 
but, in all trials thou dost wisely send, stand at our 
side and make us more than conquerors through 
him that loved us. Amen. 



October 1 — The Building Years 

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, 
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, . . . 
howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this 
seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. — 2 Tim. 
2 : 15. 

Let all my years on earth be building years, God, 
that by thy mercy I may have a part in thy great 
plan and that thy glory may appear in what I do. 
Be thou my Architect and as thou hast made me, 
bring thy work to its perfection, for thine own honor 
and desire. I thank thee for my work and for the 
freedom which makes it a delight. Give me 
strength to do my part and patience to continue in 
it. Make me a good comrade to my fellow-workers, 
swift to applaud, slow to complain, thinking no 
evil. When my part is ended and thou callest 
another to my place, let me be glad at heart, with- 
out envy and without disappointment, knowing that 
the work is thine and that thy power ensures its 
perfecting. So prosper Thou my building and make 
mv joy abound. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



210 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

October 2 — The Proportion of Life 

But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint 
and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the 
love of God: but these ought ye to have done, and not 
to leave the other undone. — Luke 11 : 1$. 

Make me in love, God, with some large end of 
living, that in seeking to attain I may find new 
interpretations of thy loving will. Keep me in 
unity of heart, however it may fall to my lot to have 
my efforts scattered here and there in varying tasks. 
Where I see only life's confusion, work out for me in 
thy lovingkindness a larger simplicity and a true 
proportion. Give me an unwavering faith in thy 
desire for thy children's holiness. I would be faith- 
ful to the vision which thou thyself hast shown me 
of my true work in life; but first, in singleness of 
heart and joyful lowliness, would serve thee even 
in little tasks and daily self-denials. So accept the 
sacrifice I bring in the name of Christ, my Lord and 
Brother, and overrule even my failures and short- 
comings, in thy mercy, for the greater good of thy 
loving purpose and desire for the help of the world. 
Amen, 

October 3 — The Childlike Heart 

And they were bringing unto him little children, 
that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked 
them. But when Jesus saw it he was filled with 
indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little 
children to come unto me; forbid them not; for of 
such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, 
Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 211 

little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. — Mark 
10 : 13. 

My Father, I thank thee that when I am weary 
alike of the folly and the wisdom of the world, its 
labor and its grief, I may come home to thee and 
find myself once more a child, to be comforted, up- 
lifted and guided into truth. Thou most restful, 
Home of souls, and Father of the poor! in thee 
would I take refuge from my own perplexities of 
soul. I would learn of thee to wait with patience, 
love with sincerity, and expect the best from others. 
Draw me to thee, even as a mother heartens and 
comforts her discouraged child. Give me according 
to my need — nay, rather, Lord, provide for needs 
thou seest according to thy love. Let me do my 
work in this simplicity of heart; and though I 
mingle with the noisy world, yet may I still in spirit 
abide in quietness with thee. And make this 
childhood of my heart joyful with the very joy of 
Christ. Amen. 



October 4 — The Light of Life 

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me 
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of 
life.— John 8 : 12. 

Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill 
cannot be hid. — Matt. 5 : 1/+. 

Light of the World, whose glory shines in the 
face of Jesus Christ, grow in our darkness to the 
splendor of thy perfect day! Thou who dwellest in 
mystery of light! we would reach up toward thee 
in full assurance of thy presence and thy will to 



212 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

make us pure. Disperse our fears. Transform our 
ambitions. Teach us to leave the paths of shadow 
for the way of truth. Help us to trust thee wholly 
and to take each step thy wisdom shows in quiet 
confidence and joyful hope, assured of thee whatever 
else may fail. May the revelation of thyself 
through us grow ever clearer as we walk with thee. 
Let it shine in common things and quiet hours, from 
thee to us; from us, by thee, to those who need and 
see thee not, that we may show thy glory and be 
made partakers of the joy of Christ. Amen. 



October 5 — The Law of Kindness 

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what 
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what 
measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. — 
Matt. 7 : 1. 

Let not my lips, God, offend against thy law of 
kindness and let my heart be free from all un- 
charitable thoughts toward men. Because thou 
lovest me, in spite of all the evil I have done, help 
me to love even my enemies with something of thy 
patient kindliness, knowing that thou also lovest 
them. Help me to be sure that I am just before I 
venture to condemn, and may I not blame others for 
sins of which I have myself been guilty in thy sight. 
Give me a discriminating anger which shall never 
break loose from the grip of love. Teach me to 
look for good in all I meet and welcome every sign 
of its appearance with gratitude to thee who art the 
fountain of all truth and righteousness in heaven 
and earth. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 213 

October 6 — The Sacredness of the Common- 
place 

There is a lad here who hath jive barley loaves and 
two fishes, but what are these among so many? . . . 
Jesus took therefore the loaves; and having given thanks, 
he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also 
of the fishes as much as they would. — John 6:9. 

Touch our hearts with gratitude, God, in the 
remembrance of thy mercy as we go about our com- 
mon ways and use the needful gifts of earth. Help 
us to recognize thy presence in very little things 
and may we turn familiar experience to heartfelt 
praise. Let the shadow of the leaves speak to us of 
thy protecting care, the glory of the sky suggest thy 
loving majesty, the provision of the fruits of the 
earth thy bounty. Help us to be happy because we 
are thy children. In labor be at our right hand — 
our rest of soul, our helper and our friend. In play 
uplift our hearts with sweet content that thou art 
near with sympathy and care. Let beauty fill our 
souls with wondering gladness in remembrance of 
thy power. Guard us in sleep from evil dreams and 
keep in us through waking hours the childlike heart 
that sings in fearless hope and faith and love. 
Through Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, our 
Bringer of Joy, our Lord of Hope. Amen. 

October 7 — Venturing With God 

For thou wilt light my lamp: the Lord my God will 
lighten my darkness. For by thee I run through a 
troop: and by my God do I leap over a wall. — Psalm 
18 : 28. 



214 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

With thee would we adventure, thou who hast 
gone before to try and prove the ways of man. We 
thank thee that thou art flesh of our flesh, our 
brother and forerunner, true Son of man as well as 
Son of God. Give us courageous hearts to undertake 
some work of loving gratitude for thee. Make us 
strong to overcome, patient to endure, joyful in thy 
companionship all the day long. Lord, thou knowest 
our weariness, give us hearts at rest that we may help 
and cheer our brothers in the way. We bless thee 
for those who have gone before; for their example of 
faith, their works of love and for their witness that 
led us to put our confidence in thee. Forgive our 
sins of omission and neglect, of selfish grasping at 
the things of earth and our f orgetfulness of thee, and 
build thine image in our hearts. Amen. 

October 8 — Our Refuge and Our Rest 

Return unto thy rest, my soul; for the Lord hath 
dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my 
soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet 
from falling. — Psalm 116 : 7. 

Unto thee, Lord, I turn when I am weary of 
myself. Give my heart rest in the thought that thou 
knowest me altogether and yet that thy love does 
not fail. Deny me not nor reject that which thou 
hast made nor forsake me in my time of need. Let 
me with true repentance come to thee with each 
new vision of myself. Give me thy peace, and leave 
me never to a benumbing self-satisfaction. Open 
my eyes that I may see good as thou seest it and do 
good as Jesus did on earth for love of thee and men. 
Make me what thou hast thought of me and save 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 215 

me from the defeat which my own folly brings. So 
shall I praise thee for thy lovingkindness and the 
life which thou hast given me shall bear fruit richly 
to thy glory. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



October 9 — The Social Hope 

Forasmuch therefore as ye trample upon the poor, 
and take exactions from him of wheat: ye have built 
houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them. . . . 
For I know how manifold are your transgressions, and 
how mighty are your sins — ye that afflict the just, that 
take a bribe, and that turn aside the needy in the gate 
from their right. — Amos 5 : 11. 

Help us, our Heavenly Father, to remember 
brotherly love and kindness in all meetings and re- 
lationships of earth. We thank thee that thou hast 
made us of one family, with common needs and like 
experiences; but we confess with sorrow that we 
are continually tempted to build walls of exclusion 
and towers of selfishness to shut away our brothers. 
Forgive this folly of our earth-encumbered souls, 
and help us to be just and loving, pitiful and gra- 
cious, loving our neighbor and honoring thee in for- 
getfulness of self. Come, Lord, and overturn among 
our social usages, our prejudices and fastidious 
tastes, until the clear horizon of thy justice shines 
and our true love toward thee finds outlet in joyful 
service to our neighbor. So let thy kingdom fully 
come, first in the hearts of Christians, then in a 
world transformed by the indwelling of thy just and 
loving Spirit. In the name of Christ, the Elder 
Brother of all loving hearts. Amen. 



216 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

October 10 — The Characters of Love 

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; 
love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not 
behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not pro- 
voked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in un- 
righteousness, but rejoiceth in the truth. — 1 Cor. 13 : 4> 

Thou, whose light upon the way, whose help in 
times of need have guided and sustained me, make 
me thy messenger of light and strength to others in 
the troubled way. Give me the patience and desire 
of good which are the characters of love. Thou hast 
encouraged and upheld me, let me never cast a 
shadow of discouragement for others by harsh cen- 
sure or words of faithless discontent. Thou Light 
and Love of all, let comfort of thy presence and joy- 
ful confidence of faith be all men's portion in thine 
own good time and way. Thanks be unto thee, 
God, for thy great gift of life, for the immortal hope 
and daily cheer, the brotherhood of faith in which 
the Lord Christ is the pattern, head and crown. 
Amen. 

October 11 — Our Need of Patience 

1 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to 
walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 
with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, 
forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to 
keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. — 
Eph.4: 1. 

Remember not, God, our manifold transgres- 
sions, nor let thy just and righteous condemnation 
fall upon us. Thou hast been patient with us, lo, 
these many days; forsake us not, neither leave us 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 217 

to ourselves in anger. We thank thee that thou art 
loving and ready to forgive; hear us when we come 
repentant to thy mercy seat and give us strength 
and peace. Teach us thy patience with our brothers 
of the earthly life and help us to forgive even as we 
ask to be forgiven. May we be slow to wrath, 
considerate of the needs and the thoughts of others, 
hoping all good and ready to do our part in making 
and in keeping peace. Arm us against the little 
ills and worries of our lives. Make the long days 
serene and keep the hurrying hours from interposing 
work or pleasure between us and thee. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

October 12 — In the Hour of Trial 

But thou, Lord , knowest me; thou hast seen me 
and tried mine heart toward thee. ... 7/ thou hast 
run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, 
then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in 
the land of peace wherein thou trustedst, they wearied 
thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? — 
Jer. 12 : 3. 

Thou through whom alone we have power to 
overcome our manifold temptations, we thank thee 
that thou art ever present to give strength to our 
failing wills. Lead us not into temptation; but 
when thou sufferest it to come upon us help us so 
to bear ourselves that we may win thine approval 
and be worthy of our high calling as thy children. 
Give us vision beyond the immediate horizon of 
our passionate desires, remembrance of thy com- 
mandments, lively concern for the good of others who 
must help to pay the price of our evil doing. Let the 



218 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

sun of thy love put out the lights of sin's allure- 
ment and bring the dawn of the full day in which we 
desire to walk with thee. In the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who for our need and triumph was 
tempted and overcame. Amen. 

October 13 — Joyful Assurance 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance 
of faith . . . let us hold fast the confession of our 
hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 
and let us consider one another to provoke unto love 
and good works. — Heb. 10 : 22. 

We thank thee, our Father in heaven, for the as- 
surance of thy love in every day's experience. 
We bless thee that thou hast kept our feet in peril, 
crowned our lives with good, enriched our hearts 
with friendships that have made the earth 
a place of joy and service, given us the comfort of 
thy presence, with assurance of growing knowledge 
and light at eventide. We thank thee that beyond 
earth's trials thou hast prepared for us a home 
where we shall serve thee with delighted hearts, 
untried by earth's perplexities of doubt and false 
desire. Keep us, even now, in the spirit of that 
purer life, that thy will may be done in our hearts 
as it is done in heaven. And to thy name be praise 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

October 14 — Power in Helplessness 

For the time will fail me if I tell of . . . David and 
Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued 
kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 219 

. . . from weakness were made strong. — Heb. 
11 : 32. 

Endue our helplessness with power, Spirit of the 
Living God, that we may be serviceable children of 
our Heavenly Father. From thee cometh life — 
our knowledge of the will and way of God, courage 
to venture, strength to endure. Thou Living 
Spring, that fails not in our drought of heart, 
pour from the fulness of thy holy might all that we 
need. Teach us to expect great gifts. Uphold our 
spirits and enable us to overcome the world. We 
thank thee for the promise which is our inheritance 
in Christ. We would do all thou askest by the 
assistance of thy plenitude of power, Thou from 
whom help cometh! Aid and sustain us, calling to 
repentance and confirming in the grace of Christ. 
And let the kingdom of his holiness come in. Amen. 



October 15 — Going on With God 

Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your 
backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for 
thou art the Lord our God. Truly in vain is the help 
that is looked for from the hills, the noisy throng on 
the mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salva- 
tion of Israel. — Jer. 3 : 22. 

Lord, I thank thee that when I am thinking of 
my lapses and forgettings thou art planning for my 
repentance and return. Be thou my hope, my 
strength for new endeavor and my joy of over- 
coming. For thy fatherly heart of love, thy pa- 
tience that turns not away, the ever-open door that 
leads to thee I give thanks with all my heart. Teach 



220 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

me courage to venture and to climb, faith which 
looks forward cheerfully because it grows out of 
thy love rather than mine, a will to conquer, by thy 
good help and favor, at any cost to my present self. 
Let all changes of the years but serve to lead me 
home to thee and all experiences enrich my memory 
with thoughts of thy unfailing goodness. And in 
each new beginning, if thou go not with me carry me 
not up thence. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



October 16 — Fellow-Workers With God 

And these all, having had witness borne to them 
through their faith, received not the promise, God hav- 
ing provided some better thing concerning us, that 
apart from us they should not be made perfect. — Heb. 
11:39. 

Lord, have mercy upon thy children, who 
through infirmity of body, darkness of soul, or the 
oppression of others have no joy in work. Give 
them the light of thy presence, transforming drudg- 
ery. We thank thee that thou hast not left even the 
weakest to himself but dost ever perfect what we 
undertake for love of thee and of thy children. For- 
give us if by injustice or want of thought we have 
laid burdens upon any. Teach us to look upon every 
man as our brother and to desire equal opportunity 
for all. Show us that our work allies us to all great 
servants of thy will and to thyself. Give us faith to 
wait thy revelation of the full meaning of our lives 
and give us also something of the joy of work that 
we may return each morning to our task with cheer- 
ful faces and hearts at rest in thee. Amen. , 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 221 

October 17 — The Water of Life 

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, 
and he that hath no money; come ye buy and eat; yea, 
come, buy wine and milk without money and without 
price. — Is. 55 : 1. 

Out of thy fulness, Lord, content our longing 
souls with good. Thou Fountain whence all our sat- 
isfaction flows, give us delights that shall not fail — 
streams of thy bounty and sweet waters of thy love. 
Mingle thj r blessing with every cup of sorrow and of 
joy. Keep from our lips all poisonous draughts of 
sin. satisfy us early with thy mercy and make 
thy presence our portion day and night. Transform 
our pleasures by thy presence. Scatter our fears in 
confidence of faith. Give strength in grief and up- 
hold us in all needful cares of earth, that our spirits 
may be unperturbed and our hope grow strong by 
experience of thy grace. We thank thee that thou 
hast called us to come and take of the water of life 
freely, and in the name of Christ we come. Amen. 

October 18 — The Word of Life 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my 
path. . . . Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage 
forever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have 
inclined my heart to perform thy statutes forever, 
even unto the end. — Psalm 119 : 105. 

Thou who hast spoken to the hearts of a thou- 
sand generations through the written Word, teach 
us to find our special message in its pages. Aid us to 
come with faith and hope and an expectation 



222 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

founded on thy promises. Let thy Good Spirit be 
our teacher, convincing us of sin and taking of the 
things of Christ to show them unto us. We thank 
thee for the books of record, which tell us how men 
lived and overcame by thy good aid; for promises 
that comfort in our day of trial and discouragement ; 
for songs that give voice to our own heart's experi- 
ence and joy; for the life of Christ, our brother and 
deliverer. Be with us when we read and help us to 
profit according to our need and in the measure of 
thy love and fatherly affection toward us. So, in the 
mirror of the Book, let men find themselves and turn 
to seek thee, who art also in the Book for all that 
seek. And in the fellowship of those who love th}^ 
law may we spend our days and dwell in thy house 
forever. Amen. 

October 19 — The Good Shepherd 

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he 
shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed 
them, and he shall be their shepherd, . . . And I will 
make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause 
evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell 
securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. — 
Ezek. 34 : 23. 

Most loving Shepherd of the flock, who seekest 
the lost and upholdest the weary, let me also be under 
the provision of thy care. Forgive me that I had 
gone astray and forgotten thy law; the delight of thy 
presence and the safety of thy watch and fold, and 
may the lesson be written deep in my experience 
that the wandering is ever the unquiet heart. For- 
get me not in any hour of peril and of need, though 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 223 

I am all unworthy of thy love and care. Pardon my 
transgressions. Restore my soul and lead me in the 
paths of righteousness for thy name's sake. Let thy 
rod and thy staff be my comfort in the shadow of 
death and spread thou my table in the presence of 
mine enemies. Let thy love sustain me and thy 
commandment become my delight, that I may serve 
thee gladly all the days of my pilgrimage and dwell 
in thy house forever. Amen. 

October 20 — For Home and Friends 

The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom 
I love in truth. . . . I rejoice greatly that I have found 
certain of thy children walking in truth, even as we 
received commandment from the Father. — 2 John 1:1. 

Lord, if thou hadst not given me this inner circle 
of my heart's affection, I might fear selfishness in the 
regard I have for them and the prayers I offer for 
thy care and help. I thank thee that they all are 
thine and that thou in thy mercy hast given them. 
I delight to bring their need to thee, not forgetting 
the wants of all mankind, but loving others better 
because thou hast taught me to love these more. 
Let my home be to thee also a home and joy. Make 
the love which reigns among us a revelation of thy 
fatherhood and the brotherhood of thy Son. Give 
peace, if it please thee, but deny us not thy healing- 
presence in our sorrow and adversity, thy courage 
when we have much to do or bear. When we part, 
both go and abide, that thy presence may make us 
glad in thought and love together even when we 
dwell apart. Keep us from the selfishness of our 
comforts, that for love of thee our home joys may 



224 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

be shared with others. And to thee be thanks for 
the love of- the living and of those who are fallen 
asleep. Amen. 

October 21 — The Coming of the Kingdom 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of 
mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his 
field: which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is 
grown, it is greater than the herbs and becometh a 
tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge 
in the branches thereof. — Matt. 13 : 31. 

God our expectation, in whom alone our hearts 
are satisfied, give us faithful hearts to look for the 
coming of thy kingdom and the showing-forth 
of thy power among the children of men. 
Give us the spirit of watchfulness, both 
against the sins that do so easily beset us; and in 
the confident hope and expectant faith that waits 
for the appearing of thy power. Teach us how to 
note the signs of thy presence in experiences of our 
common days and give us some joyful part in the 
work which thou art doing in our earth. satisfy 
us early with thy mercy and make us glad all the 
days of our pilgrimage. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

October 22 — The Word of God's Patience 

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were 
written for our learning, that through patience and 
through comfort of the scripture we might have hope. 
Now the God of patience and comfort grant you to be 
of the same mind one with another according to Jesus 
Christ. — Rom. IS : 4- 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 225' 

Forgive, Lord, the impatience of our spirits in 
the slow progress of thy work on earth. Help us 
to search and see, whether we ourselves are hinder- 
ers, by word or deed bearing false witness to thy 
love. When the hour comes in which we may not 
work, let not our hearts betray us into any dis- 
quietude. Teach us how large a thing is life and 
how wide thy purpose. Attune our hearts to 
the song of thy faithful saints in all the ages, the 
song of faith and hope and gratitude. And while 
we strive to keep the word of thy patience in the 
distresses of our years, keep thou us from all evil 
and enable us to live honestly and lovingly among 
our fellows, having our joyful share in the work thou 
art perfecting on the earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

October 23 — For Friends 

Seeing ye have 'purified your souls in your obedience 
to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love 
one another with a pure heart fervently. — 1 Pet. 
1 : 22. 

Father, whose purpose for the world included 
friendship, one with another and of all with thee, 
bless my friends this day in word and deed that 
they may serve thee with good will and quiet faith. 
Let thy presence be a common joy for them and me. 
Give us like thoughts of service and assurances of love 
to knit our souls into the unity of faith. Let not 
our hearts grow cold in absence or anxious over 
separate experiences and cares. For all are thine, 
and thou wilt crown the friendship thou hast given 
with its appropriate satisfactions in thine own good 



226 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

time. Make my life worthy of true love by shaping 
it into the fashion of thy desire. And let thy 
presence be a sabbath-rest and blessing to the souls 
of all true friends on earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



October 24 — The First and Last 

I am the first, and I am the last: and beside me 
there is no God. . . . Fear ye not, neither be afraid: 
have I not declared unto thee of old? . . . and ye are 
my witnesses. — Is. 44 •' #• 

Thou from whom we come, to whom we go, 
in whom we live, the beginning and the end of these 
swiftly passing days, and our everlasting home! 
give us to discern the purpose for which thou hast 
sent us here, and help us to fulfill it. Keep us from 
following what is foolish and false and uprofitable. 
In darkened ways be thou our light; in perplexing 
paths be thou our guide. Take out of our hearts all 
suspicion and fear of thee and of thy dealings with 
us, and let our doubts grow into larger and richer 
confidence. Amid all the movement and tumult 
of life, amid all the comings and goings of the world, 
may our souls be at rest in thee. In thy hand are 
our times, and in thy hand, merciful Father, help 
us to leave them in quietness of heart. Make us 
ever calm and strong in the faith that thou meanest 
well with us and with all thy children, and that good- 
ness and mercy will follow us all the days of our 
life. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 227 

October 25 — The Race of Life 

Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, 
but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may 
attain. And every man that striveth in the games 
exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it 
to receive a corruptible crown; but we are incor- 
ruptible. — 1 Cor. 9 : 21+. 

Gird us with strength, Lord, for the race which 
thou hast set before us, enabling us to run with 
joyful courage and enduring patience. Unto thee 
we look, in whom we have believed and by whom we 
shall be brought at last to our full vision and in- 
heritance of glory. Let us not falter or turn back, 
or have the least desire for careless days and thoughts 
directed to no purpose. Let the morning waken us 
to gratitude that we may spend our lives with thee; 
and the night bring rest in remembrance of thy 
lovingkindness. Be thou the crown as thou art 
the giver of the crown to those who run the race 
of the immortal life. Give us thyself, in a continual 
companionship, and let thy Holy Spirit guide us 
into knowledge of the will of Christ. Amen. 

October 26 — Kindly Judgments 

For this very cause adding on your part all diligence, 
in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue 
knowledge, and in your knowledge self-control; and in 
your self-control steadfastness, and in your steadfast- 
ness godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kind- 
ness; and in your brotherly kindness love. — 2 Pet. 
1 :5. 



228 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou that sufferest long and art kind, keeping 
mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgres- 
sion and sin, and that will by no means clear the 
guilty, restrain us by the indwelling of thy Spirit, 
lest in judging our neighbor maliciously we shut 
against ourselves the door of thy mercy. Help us to 
forgive, as thou hast forgiven; to seek good in every 
one; to be slow to anger, as becometh our ignorance 
and the charity that thinketh no evil. Thus may 
some true gleams of thy love shine for us in every 
human face. Thou hast loved us and given thy 
Son for our release; let us not hate where thou 
lovest or be impatient where thou waitest long 
for man's return. So deliver us from all unchari- 
table thoughts and unkind words for the sake of 
Christ. Amen. 

October 27 — Our Comrade of the Way 

And behold two of them were going that very day 
to a village named Emmaus. . . . And it came to pass, 
while they communed and questioned together, that 
Jesus himself drew near and went with them. — 
Luke 24 : 13. 

Lord, without thee we would not go upon our 
way. As Christ was our entrance upon pilgrimage, 
we ask according to his promise that he may be 
companion of our journey, our guide, our peace and 
our security from evil. To this end guard our 
thoughts lest they wander into forbidden places and 
our imaginations that we may look back with peni- 
tence and gratitude and forward in the confidence 
of hope, We thank thee for thy forestalling and 
preventing love that made a clear way of return to 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 229 

thee and has helped us in a thousand cares and fears 
and sorrows. Let us not go grumbling on our road, 
when we have thee for a travel-companion and the 
joy of full vision and acquaintance as the end, but 
give us an overflowing joy of heart that shall make 
service easy and the brotherhood of men sweet to 
our souls. And to thee be praise. Amen. 

October 28 — The School of God 

Show me thy ways, Lord; teach me thy paths. 
Guide me in thy truth and teach me; for thou art the 
God of my salvation: for thee do I wait all the day. 
Remember , Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving- 
kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. — Psalm 
25 : 4. 

Spirit of God who, teaching, takest of the things 
of Christ and showest them to us, give faith and- 
patience for the lessons of thy school. Since thou 
wilt guide our thought and shape our learning, 
make us well content to pass from the lower to the 
higher stages as thy wisdom shall elect. Keep- us 
from blind refusal of thy will. Give courage for 
strange experiences. Help us to look to Christ, 
our great example, to work in the serenity of 
heart he knew and in communion may we find our 
rest of heart. We thank thee for the companions of 
the school — those who have gone before, leaving 
us their helpful story of diligence and strength, 
those who are just beginning whom, by thy favor, 
we may aid and guide. Perfect thy will concerning 
us. Train and enable us to choose aright. And 
bring the kingdom of Christ's desire and purpose 
in. Amen. 



230 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

October 29 — Confidence in God 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly 
above all that we ask or think, according to the power 
that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church 
and in Jesus Christ unto all the generations of the 
age of the ages. — Eph. 3 : 20. 

We thank thee, our Father, that thou art better 
to us than our own hearts have desired: more 
faithful than our loyalty, more far-seeing than our 
own prevision of the wisdom needed for the years. 
When we are tempted to be impatient with thy 
ways, help us by the indwelling of thy Spirit to re- 
joice in thee more than in all thy gifts. We would 
not seek to hurry thee, who hast shown long-suffering 
patience with our listlessness. Make it our crown 
of blessing day by day to do thy will. Let not thy 
denials be a veil to hide thy face from us. Teach us 
to find thy presence in the little blessings, the un- 
regarded gifts, the common experiences of our lives. 
Enable us to go without complaint and with all joy 
of childhood's faith and love along the road which 
thou hast chosen for us, in the companionship of 
him who bore our trials in his life on earth and died 
to bring us pardon, peace of heart and joyful hope. 
And to thy name be praise! Amen. 

October 30 — The Nobler Choice 

// then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the 
things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the 
right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that 
are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. — 
Col. 8 : 1. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 231 

Thou in whose image we are made and by whose 
life we live, help us ever to think as thou thinkest of 
the good and evil between which we must so con- 
tinually choose. By the power of thy Holy Spirit, 
ever our Guest and Guide, enable us to lead the 
noble life which thou hast made the heritage of thy 
children and to seek those gifts which belong with 
the enduring love by which we know thee in our 
Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. Help us to close the 
door of our mind to all unworthy and selfish thoughts 
and to conform our lives ever more nearly to thy 
wise and holy purpose for our sojourn on the earth. 
We bless thee for the fellowship of those who, by 
thy grace, pursue this nobler life. Make us worthy 
of that high companionship and helpful in its work 
for thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



October 31 — Opening the Door to God 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one 
another. No man hath beheld God at any time: if we 
love one another, God abideth in us and his love is per- 
fected in us: hereby we know that we abide in him and 
he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — 
1 John 4 -'11- 

thou who hast sought us with a patient love 
that has never been discouraged by our refusals, we 
would open the door of our hearts this day and in- 
vite thee to come in. Feed us with thy bounty, we 
beseech thee, taking of what thou findest in our 
store and by the blessing of thy power making it suf- 
ficient for thee and us as we commune together. 
Let the inspiration of thy presence lead us to joyful 



232 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

work. May we be taught by thy Holy Spirit, bear- 
ing witness by our manner of lif e and by our will to 
help and serve, so long as thou shalt give us our place 
of work on earth. Amen. 



November 1 — All Saints' Day — The Com- 
munion of Saints 

For they are thine: and all things that are mine are 
thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. 
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the 
world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in 
thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be 
one, even as we are. — John 17 : 9. 

We give thee heartfelt thanks, Lord, for the en- 
during faith, the common hope and purpose of thy 
church, the growing fellowship of earnest souls in 
thee. In our seeming isolation show us how we may 
take courage in remembrance of that glorious com- 
pany in heaven and earth who are all one in thy 
abounding life. Remove all stumbling-blocks of 
pride, self-will and ancient prejudice, that this lov- 
ing unity of thy people may be clear to a divided 
world. So nourish all faithful souls with thy divine 
and holy life that they may draw together in thy 
service. Increase our joy in brotherhood. Help us 
to grow in patience and forbearance, in sympathy 
and power to understand and aid. And may the 
blessing of fellowship be added to the peace of faith 
in every Christian heart. For thou art our Life and 
Light, our Head and Glory, world without end. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 233 

November 2 — All Souls' Day — A Thanksgiv- 
ing for the Departed 

But ye are come . . . unto the city of the living 
God, . . . and to innumerable hosts, the general as- 
sembly of angels and the church of the firstborn who are 
enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to 
the spirits of just men made perfect. . . . — Heb. 
12 : 22. 

God of all the living, we thank thee for the 
happy memory of those whom thou hast called out 
of this transitory life into the eternal joy of thy 
presence. Thine they were upon the earth, as we 
are thine; and we thank thee that they are and we 
are thine in differing experience still. Though our 
eyes cannot see them and our ears are deaf to their 
remembered voices, we bless thee that they are 
never absent from thy loving care. We thank thee 
for their lives of earthly service, for the happy days 
we spent in their companionship, the example of 
their faith and patience, the teaching of their words 
and deeds, and for their share in heaven's new oppor- 
tunities of service. We confess to thee our neglects 
and transgressions, our coldness and misapprehen- 
sion while they lived upon the earth, which we may 
no more confess to them. Our hearts have rest, 
knowing that thy love changes not and that they see 
thy face with unobstructed vision. Help us so to 
live that they may welcome us with joy when thou 
shalt call us to thyself at last. And to thee, Christ, 
our risen and ascended Lord, be praise forevermore. 
Amen. 



234 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

November 3 — In Disheartenment 

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou unit re- 
vive me. . . . And thy right hand will save me. The 
Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy loving 
kindness, Lord, endureth forever; forsake not the 
works of thine own hands. — Psalms 138 : 7. 

God of all patience, who in the fullness of time hast 
revealed thyself to men in Jesus Christ our Lord, 
have mercy upon us in the uncertainty and discour- 
agement of our human life. When we wait in dark- 
ness, longing earnestly to see, and see not anything; 
when we grope in ignorance, and knowledge comes 
not or comes too late; when we are eager to choose 
and act, and have no light upon decision; when the 
shadow of our own sin brings doubt upon our way, 
have pity upon us, God! Out of this trial of pa- 
tience, this endurance of suspense, this torture of 
uncertainty, cause thy strength to grow in our 
hearts that, having kept the word of thy patience, 
thou mayest keep us in the hour of trial. Help us 
to remember the sure working of thy will for good in 
all thy children's lives, the rest that remaineth, the 
assurance of eternal hope. And may our restlessness 
be turned to peace as we remove our thoughts from 
the uncertainties of earth to fix them upon thee. 
And this we ask in the name of him who suffered 
and who overcame. Amen. 

November 4 — Happy Service 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness: for they shall be -filled. Blessed are the merciful: 
for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 235 

heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace- 
makers: for they shall be called sons of God. — Matt. 
5 :6. 

Heavenly Friend and Lover of our souls, who art- 
risen from the dead that we might live to thee, so 
move our hearts to love and righteousness by the 
indwelling of thy Holy Spirit that we may grow con- 
tinually more worthy of thy friendship. Make us 
strong against temptation, quick to discern the in- 
dications of thy will and ready to follow in the way 
of thy commandment. May we be happy in our 
service, patient in waiting, triumphant in assurance 
of thy loving purpose. Come as a friend to share 
our joy and grief and make us partakers of thy 
thought and work. For thine is the call that we 
have heard and thine is our heart's love forever- 
more. Amen. 



November 5 — For the Nation 

Blessed are they that keep justice, and he that doeth 
righteousness at all times. Remember me, Lord, 
with the favor that thou bear est unto thy people. . . . 
That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, that I 
may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may 
glory with thine inheritance. — Psalm 106 : 3. 

God, who hast made us a place of influence 
among the nations of the earth, teach us to walk 
before thee in justice and righteousness — we and 
our children's children — that thou mayst abide 
among us as our God and King. Thou hast kept 
us in all the years of our fathers and raised up help 
in every time of need; forsake us not in these latter 



236 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

days, but guide us with a wisdom higher than our 
own. Bless our rulers with understanding hearts, 
that they may turn away from all self-seeking to 
serve the people and obey thy will. Grant, if it 
please thee, abundant harvests and a returning and 
abiding peace. Prosper our labors, and deliver us 
from tumult and calamity. Pardon the sins of thy 
people and keep us in the hour of temptation, lest 
we fall into the folly of pride through which nations 
perish. And may thy church be strong for witness 
in the midst of the people. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

November 6 — Springs of Water 

The "poor and needy seek water, and there is none, 
and their tongue faileth for thirst; I the Lord will 
answer them. . . . I will not forsake them. I will 
open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the 
midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a 
pool of water and the dry land springs of water. — 
7s. 41 : 17. 

Fountain of all grace, of pure desire, of peace and 
truth and lovingkindness, enrich my poverty from 
thy full springs of good. From thee alone, my 
Father, I look for satisfaction of those great and 
deep desires which thou hast thyself implanted in 
my soul. Be thou the fountain whence I may 
drink and live. Fill me with the refreshing waters 
of thy grace, that they may overflow in blessing 
to the world i When I have set my heart on earthly 
good, let me not wonder that even in attainment 
there is no enduring pleasure. Keep me from 
satisfaction with the lower gift, lest thy companion- 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 237 

ship and the joy of work for thee should fail my 
heart. Be thou a spring of joy in me, my God, 
that I may grow like thee and become a pure chan- 
nel for thy purity in thought and word. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



November 7 — Walking with God 

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for 
God took him. . . . Noah was a righteous man and 
blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. 
—Gen. 5 : 24; 6:9. 

house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the 
light of the Lord. — 7s. 2 : 5. 

Thou ever-present comfort in distress, staff of 
my lameness, rest of my heart in weariness, my 
Lord and Friend, I come again to thee for help, for 
only thou canst set me free. Show me thyself 
that I may glow and shine amid the darkness of 
these sighing days with something of thy light and 
cheer. Give me to see beyond my fears into the 
quiet of thy patience and the joy of thy great 
expectation. Help me to reach below my changes 
to build upon the unchanging rock of thy eternal 
love. So aid me to enter unafraid upon all earth's 
experiences and to know the light in darkness which 
thou alone canst give. And blessed be thy name 
forever more, my Help and Stay! Amen. 

November 8 — Sharing God's Gifts 

Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 
. . . Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, 
pressed down, shaken together, running over shall they 



238 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

give into your bosom. For with what measure ye 
mete it shall be measured to you again. — Luke 
6 : 36. 

What thou sendest and I, need, my God, let me 
not ask solely for my own delight or rest of heart.' 
Give me what I may share, in love of thee and dear 
remembrance of thy mercy. Let even the mystery 
of thy presence in my heart fit me for influence and 
help. Thou hast made this wonder of self, by which 
I stand apart: breathe into it thine own joy of 
kindliness, thy will to bless! Open my eyes to see 
my neighbor's need. Suffer me not to be over- 
whelmed by the world's sorrows. Make me strong 
for ministry, ready to give myself to others, humble 
to receive from those whom thou shalt send, cheer- 
ful in thought and word because thy love turns all 
experience to good. So in simplicity of faith and 
by the leading of thy Holy Spirit aid me. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



November 9 — A Watered Garden 

And thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a 
spring of water, whose waters jail not. And they 
that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: 
thou shalt raise up the foundations of many genera- 
tions; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the 
breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. — Is. 58 : 11. 

With all our hearts, our Father, we desire thy 
love, for without thee we are but as strangers and 
aliens in the earth. Satisfy our hunger with the 
bread of God. Quench our thirst with the living 
waters of thy love. Be thou sufficient for us, en- 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 239 

larging our desire as thou dost minister to it. Re- 
member. most merciful, those who are homesick 
in the earth, knowing not thee. Reveal thyself to 
them, that they may rejoice with us in thy rich 
fatherhood. Enable us so to live that some witness 
of thy love and care may go forth to those who 
long for thee, not knowing that thou art content- 
ment and rejoicing for the hearts of men. send 
forth thy light, and thy truth, let them lead us, 
until one joyful brotherhood dwells upon earth and 
all men praise thee for thy lovingkindness. Let 
that great company of Christ's true followers trans- 
form the earth, and in the mighty changes let us 
have some little part. Amen. 

November 10 — God With Us 

The life was manifested, . . . the eternal life, which 
was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that 
which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, 
that ye may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fel- 
lowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus 
Christ.— 1 John 1 : 2. 

Thou who desirest of thy grace to make a home 
in our poor hearts, we thank thee for assurance of 
thy love in the birth of thy Son who was called Im- 
manuel. May he become to us the joyful token of 
thy presence, for thou alone canst still the hunger of 
our hearts. Help us to make ready for thee by dying 
unto sin and learning the new way of life in upright- 
ness. Let the experience of thy love kindle our 
heart's affection toward the wide brotherhood of 
humanity. Teach us to be faithful in all human 



240 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

relations, loyal to the work thou hast assigned us, 
cheerful in all experiences, well-assured that thou 
art leading us in the way. So let thy kingdom come 
and the Christlike life be born in us for the help of 
the world. In his name. Amen. 



November 11 — Unworldliness 

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and 
the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of 
the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth 
away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of 
God abideth forever. — 1 John 2 : 16. 

Let not my heart be fixed, Lord, upon the 
world which is organized in denial or in carelessness 
of thee, or seek that which is loved only by those 
who have turned away from thee. Help me to dis- 
tinguish between that which life offers of innocent 
occupation and pleasure and that which the true 
purpose of my life with Christ forbids. Fix my love 
upon the concerns of thy kingdom and teach me the 
delight of loyalty. Let me never doubt that the 
place of my appointment is the place of thy purpose 
for my work and training. Yet keep me from so 
narrow a range of hope and thought as earth can 
bound. Let not the lust of the flesh, the lust of the 
eyes, or the pride of life have dominion over me ; but 
take thy throne in my heart and rule. Use me for 
thy purposes and train me in thy using. For thine 
is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for- 
ever. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 241 

November 12 — The Fruits of Steadfastness 

And that which fell among the thorns, these are they 
that have heard, and as they go on their way they are 
choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, 
and bring no fruit to perfection. And that in the good 
ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, 
having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth 
fruit with steadfastness. — Luke 8 : 14- 

Lord, thou knowest us altogether and we are glad 
to have it so. We thank thee that with heartfelt 
confidence in thy knowledge we may come to un- 
burden our hearts in words we cannot speak to any 
one on earth. Help us with courage, that we may 
bear our load without complaining. Sustain us and 
bring thy will to pass even in the hidden and per- 
plexing experiences of life. When secret cares weigh 
heavily and troubles cloud our thoughts, may we so 
live and speak as not to bring a shadow upon the 
lives of others. Make thou a way for us where to 
our darkened eyes no way seems possible; and give 
us patience to carry the load we may not lay down 
with cheerful courage to the end. In the name of 
the merciful and compassionate Jesus who ever lives 
to be the partner of our experience and to make us 
sharers in his divine inheritance. Amen. 



November 13 — Quietness of Heart 

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of 
Judah: we have a strong city. Salvation will he ap- 
point for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that 
the righteous nation which keepeth truth may enter in. 



242 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is 
stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. — 7s. 26 : 1. 

Give me, Lord, that quietness of heart which 
makes the most of labor and of rest. Save me from 
passionate excitement, petulant fretfulness and 
idle fear, keeping me ever in the restful presence of 
thy love. Teach me to be alert and wise in all re- 
sponsibilities, without hurry and without neglect. 
Tame thou and rule my tongue, that I may not 
transgress thy law of love. When others censure 
may I seek thine image in my fellow-men, judging 
with charity as one who shall be judged. Banish 
envy from my thought and hatred from my lips. 
Help me to be content, amid the strife of tongues, 
with my unspoken thought. When anxious cares 
threaten my peace, help me to run to thee that I 
may find my rest and be made strong for calm en- 
durance and for valiant service. In the name of 
Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 

November 14 — For Wisdom 

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? The 
everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the 
earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no search- 
ing of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; 
and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength. — 
7s. Jfi : 28. 

We thank thee that thy wisdom, our Father, is 
height above our climbing, depth beneath our 
thought, treasure that endless search cannot ex- 
haust. Because we know thee in our life with Christ, 
enable us to trust thee in the hidden things which 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 243 

we can never know, or know not yet. We rejoice 
that all is thine and trust thy love to teach us in its 
own good time all that we need to understand. Give 
us wisdom that we may live according to thy will. 
Add from thy boundless store knowledge to gratify 
the craving thou thyself hast made. Let us be eager 
to learn, yet free from all disquietude of heart. Let 
us not dream that there is rest in knowledge or that 
from any mount of vision the whole mystery of thy 
work will be made clear. And from the hidden 
treasure of thy grace make even our dark days 
bright. Amen. 



November 15 — Growth in Unconscious Hour 

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain 
that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watch- 
man waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up 
early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil: for so he 
giveth unto his beloved in sleep. — Psalm 127 : 1. 

Lord, be with us in our unconscious and un- 
guarded hours that we may still be growing in our life 
with thee. When our thoughts are taken up with 
necessary work or with the refreshment that we need, 
hold us that we fail not in our growth toward thy full 
likeness. Make us like trees in thy garden, that are 
not hurt by the coming of the winter : like thy saints 
that rise from the forgetfulness of sleep with thank- 
ful hearts, to go upon their way with faith renewed 
and courage quickened. Let all our days be thine, 
whether the sun shines or the shadow falls, and teach 
us not to depend upon our momentary feeling, but 
upon thy pledged and eternal word of love and 



244 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

power. Steady and control our hearts amid the 
overturnings of this present life, that we may be free 
from all anxiety about today, or tomorrow, or 
the unknown experiences of the world to come. In 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



November 16 — Confidence of Faith 

For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salva- 
tion to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, deny- 
ing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live 
soberly and righteously and godly in this present 
world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of 
the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
— Titus 2 : 11. 

Lord, I desire a better confidence, depending less 
on what I see and more upon remembrance of thy 
love in Christ and faith in thy most wise and loving 
purposes for man. Keep me from too eager wishes 
that the present, with its joys and comforts, might 
remain. Let me not dread the future, either in de- 
sire for others or in thoughts of self. Teach me the 
joy of going on, in full assurance that the path thou 
choosest will lead me whither thou wouldst have me 
go. Still let this fearless onward look be mine; 
since thou, Shepherd of our souls, ever leadest forth 
thy flock with an unfailing care. Lord, as I go, de- 
clare thyself to me in fresh experiences of thy pres- 
ence and tokens of thy help, in cheerful hope and 
joyful song, in happy days of service to thy brethren 
on the earth and an abiding peace. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 245 

November 17 — Our Help in Changing Days 

And I will bring the blind by a way that they know 
not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I 
will make darkness light before them, and crooked 
places straight. These things will I do, and I will not 
forsake them. — 7s. 1$ : 16. 

In all the changes of our life, Lord, our hearts 
return to thee. Thou who enlightenest, show us thy 
way! Thou who upliftest, give us strength to rise 
from every fall, wisdom to choose in each perplexity, 
courage to go forward where thou callest, though all 
the road save just before our feet be hidden in the 
darkness. When we reach the turning points of life 
and remember all that we have missed through our 
own folly and neglect, help us with resolute and 
faithful love to make a new beginning. For continu- 
ance in thy way grant us the abiding help and coun- 
sel of thy Holy Spirit. May we not love familiar 
paths too much, or dread our changes, as though 
thou hadst permitted them to be thy children's final 
loss of good. In all experiences be thou our guide 
and keep our hearts in peace through faith in our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

November 18 — The Way, the Truth, the Life 

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members each in 
his part. . . . But desire earnestly the greater gifts. 
And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you. 
. . . Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual 
gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. — 1 Cor. 12 : 27. 

Thou who art the way, the truth and the life, 
dwell in my heart, I pray thee, and transform my 



246 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

will until it chooses only good and seeks the highest 
good of all ; my affections until thy love finds echo in 
my love and all my friendships are purified and glori- 
fied; my thoughts, until they reflect thy thoughts as 
in the mirror a serene and living stream. Let not 
sin have dominion over me, or doubt disturb my joy, 
or the complexities and cares of life destroy my sim- 
plicity of faith and love. Use me, Lord, for thy 
great work on earth. Give me to share thy joy in 
mercy and in service. Make the earth bright in 
stormy days with the sunlight of thy presence and 
lead me in thy way of peace and strength. Amen. 

November 19 — The Source of Our Content 

The eyes of all wait for thee: and thou givest them 
their food in due season. Thou openest thy hand, and 
satisfiest every living thing with favor. . . . The Lord 
is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call 
upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them 
that fear him: he will hear their cry, and will save 
them. — Psalm 11+5 : 15. 

Be thou, Lord, the source of our content and 
satisfy our hearts amid the trials and the changes of 
the earth. Be thou our peace when gifts of life fade 
before us as we go and troubles crowd about our 
way. Dwell ever in our hearts, Spirit of the Living 
God, our Comforter and Guide, to make us ill-con- 
tent with sin and all the fruits of sin. Set us free 
from our dependence upon transient happiness, that 
we may share the eternal joy of Christ our Lord. 
Let courage grow out of our rest of heart, patience 
with others, quiet endurance of our sorrows and our 
cares, love that shall be like sunlight on the shadowed 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 247 

way of all with whom we walk. And with our 
growth in knowledge ever deepen our delight in 
thee, whose love surpasses knowledge. Through 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 

November 20 — Companions of Christ 

As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk in him, rooted and builded up in him, and 
established in your faith, even as ye were taught, 
abounding in thanksgiving. — Col. 2 : 6. 

True Brother of men, who all thy life on earth 
wast the companion of our experiences and the 
friend of all in need, we thank thee that thou art 
present with us as we toil and rest, our companion 
in solitude, our friend in the crowded ways. Help 
us to seek thee in the common worship of thy people 
but, no less, in the thronged meeting-places of our 
daily business. As thou returnedst ever from the 
place of secret prayer to the crowd, still welcome all 
burdened hearts as guests of thy choosing. Let us, 
in our weakness, even us, Lord ! learn something 
of the secret of the life that gathers strength from 
communion with the Father in heaven that it may 
spend it for the needs of men on earth. Teach 
us what we owe of love to God and to our brother. 
Give joy and strength for effective service through 
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and the love of life 
with men in thine own power of brotherhood. 
Amen. 

November 21 — Deepening Life 

Behold what manner of love the Father hath be- 
stowed upon us, that we should be called the children 
of God! . . . Beloved, now are we children of God, 



248 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. 
We know that if he shall be manifested, we shall be 
like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And 
every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, 
even as he is pure. — 1 John 3:1. 

Unto thee, most merciful, most loving and most 
holy, we whom thou hast made and called, come with 
longing and repentant hearts, knowing that we have 
often sinned against love and desirous of that pure 
and holy life which only thou canst give. Deepen 
our sense of what love means — thy love that for 
our need withheld not thine own beloved Son, the 
love of home and friends and all affections which 
thou hast consecrated upon earth for joy and 
growth. Broaden our sympathy until we see men 
as thou seest them. Encourage and enable our 
hearts to win that reverence and self-giving in 
which we shall be followers of the most loving Christ. 
Teach us love's patience, purity and kindly thought. 
And let those whom we love be dear to thee, our 
Father, that we may grow together in thy likeness, 
making the largest use of all the opportunities of 
life. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

November 22 — A Consecrated Day 

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: 
give me understanding, that I may learn thy com- 
mandments. . . . Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness 
be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy 
servant. — Psalm 119 : 73. 

Accept and direct all the beginnings which we 
make this day, God, and suffer us not to enter 
upon evil or to fail in good. Wherever thy Spirit 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 249 

leads us, help us to go with quiet faith and courage 
and with unfaltering love. If thou indeed hast 
called us to this day's experience, grant us thy help, 
that we may do our part with ready minds. Defend 
us in troubles and aid us in doing well. Lift up 
the light of thy countenance upon us and keep our 
hearts in peace all the day long. Uphold us espe- 
cially in our responsibilities toward others, that we 
majr be good stewards of that which thou hast com- 
mitted to our care, and help us so to use all gifts 
that they may honor thee. Teach us to use our 
time as in thy presence and our means as those who 
shall give account. And take thou for the uses of 
thy kingdom what we bring as offerings of our love 
and thought, in the name and to the honor of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

\ 

November 23 — The Comfort of God's Care 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, 
whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom 
the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit 
there is no guile. — Psalm 32 : 1. 

Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all times of sore 
distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins. 
In time of darkness give us blessed hope, in time of 
sickness of body give us quiet courage. When the 
heart is bowed down, and the soul is heavy, and life 
is a burden, and pleasure a weariness, and the sun 
too bright, and life too mirthful, then may thy 
Spirit come upon us. After our darkness may 
there be the clear shining of the heavenly light; 
that so, being uplifted by thy mercy, we may pass 



250 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

on through this our mortal life with quiet courage, 
patient hope, and unshaken trust, — looking, 
through thy lovingkindness, to be delivered through 
death into the larger life of the eternal years. Hear 
us of thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



November 24 — The Glory of Christ 

And when he was come near Jesus asked him, What 
wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, 
Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said 
unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 
And immediately he received his sight, and followed 
him, glorifying God. — Luke 18 : Ifi. 

Almighty God, the Father of all living, we thank 
thee for the revelation of thy glory in the life of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. For his incarnation, which makes 
the brotherhood of man divine; for his submission 
to the power of death, wherein he bore our sins in 
his own body on the tree; for his glorious resurrec- 
tion, in which we are made partakers; and for the 
enduring life in which he continues with his church, 
we bring thee thanks. Help us to put away the 
death of sin and to live henceforth with him in the 
new life of his resurrection. Pity us in sorrow, that 
the remembrance of his love may bring us joy. 
Enlighten us in darkness by the ministration of thy 
Spirit and when we fall asleep on earth awaken us in 
thy presence with the resurrection joy of those who 
are raised with Christ in glory. For thine is the 
power and majesty and the eternal kingdom of our 
hope and faith evermore. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 251 

November 25 — Walking With God 

Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called 
thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest 
through the waters, I will be with thee; and through 
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou 
walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; 
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. — Is. 43 : 1. 

In the days that go on and on, God, help us to 
walk in our appointed way with simple faith and 
cheerful courage. Keep us from all dishearten- 
ment, even when the changes of our state bring 
clouds and fears. For in thee do we trust. Be thou 
our satisfaction and true reward of life's obediences. 
Make us sharers of thy patience, willing to wait 
because thou hast revealed in us thy loving father- 
hood. But teach us also how to venture in thy 
cause, in the right way, at the right time; and how 
to endure trial for our- perfecting in the lessons of 
thy Holy Spirit's teaching. Come with thy leading 
to the troubled and the weary, thy strength to sus- 
tain, thy presence to cheer. And to thy name be 
praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



November 26 — The Childlike Heart 

// any man would be first, he shall be last of all, 
and servant of all. And he took a little child and set 
him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms 
he said unto them: Whosoever shall receive one of 
such little children in my name, receiveth me: and 
whoso receiveth me, receiveth no? me, but him that sent 
me. — Mark : 3-5. 



252 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Grant us, Lord Jesus Christ, to serve thee all 
the days of our pilgrimage in simplicity of heart. 
We thank thee that thou wast made a child, and 
hast loved and blessed the children of the earth. 
We come into thy presence with all humility, seek- 
ing the childlike spirit which thou wilt use and 
honor. Deliver us from pride and vainglory, from 
ruinous ambition for the praise of men, from needless 
entanglement with the affairs of this world and with 
the company of evil-doers. Cure us of self-decep- 
tion, that we may hate our sin and find our rest in 
thee. Make us wise concerning good, simple 
concerning evil, pure in heart and of a cheerful 
spirit. So furnish us for use and help among our 
fellow-men. And thine shall be our service and our 
praise forevermore. Amen. 



November 27 — The Witnessing Spirit 

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send 
unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, 
which proceedeth from, the Father, he shall bear witness 
of me; and ye also shall bear witness because ye have 
been with me from the beginning. — John 15 : 26. 

Come, Spirit of the Living God, and bless thy 
church with quickened faith and purer love. Let 
hope abound, filling our hearts with joyful expecta- 
tion of the manifested kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Through his atoning love 
release us from the heavy burden of our guilt and 
purify our hearts, that we may sin no more. In 
the hour of our temptation we would flee to thee for 
strength to overcome. In our opportunities of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 253 

service give us wisdom to choose aright, to speak 
with loving wisdom, to act with considerate care. 
When the hurry of the world lays hold upon us, 
keep our hearts at rest in faith and love. Give us 
patience under our limitations and rejoicing in 
the better days and brighter light of those who 
shall come after us. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



November 28 — Doing God's Will 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, 
where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves 
break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves 
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust 
doth consume, and where thieves do not break through 
nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your 
heart be also. — Matt. 6 : 19. 

God, who hast loved us with an everlasting- 
love, help us to delight in thy presence, to seek thy 
righteousness and to forsake the evil of the world 
that we may live to thee. Thou hast sent us into 
the midst of earth's cares and occupations, thou 
hast given us a measure of earth's gifts, help us to 
use all for thy glory and thy work yet not to set 
our heart upon them. Let there be a forsaking of 
affection where there must needs be a continuance 
of use. Fix our affections upon things above, 
where Christ sitteth on thy right hand. Help us to 
do thy will in helpful ministry to others. Give us 
our work and strength to do it day by day. Give 
daily bread, and needful cheer and care. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



254 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

November 29 — Single-Mindedness 

The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine 
eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. . . . 
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate 
the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the 
one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and 
mammon. — Matt. 6 : 22. 

Lord, I beseech thee that behind all the distrac- 
tions and confusions of this troubled life I may 
learn to keep a quiet heart, always fixed on thee and 
determined to do that to which thou hast called me. 
Let this singleness of purpose have the continual 
assistance of thy Holy Spirit, lest I be drawn aside 
into evil ways or lose the simplicity of faith and the 
communion of love. Make me a good and faithful 
neighbor, ready to consider and give kindly judg- 
ments unto all, to put aside my will and interest at 
the call of love, to think of all men as thy children, 
pensioners with me of the love that watches and 
provides. So keep me from a double-minded and 
distracted life, that all my powers in full agreement 
may serve thy will forevermore. Amen. 

November 30 — Life's Values 

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in 
sincerity and truth. . . . And if it seem evil to you to 
serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve. 
. . . But as for me and my house, we will serve 
Jehovah. — Josh. 24 : 14- 

Lord, we desire by the teaching of thy Holy 
Spirit to obtain a just measure of the values of truth 
and falsehood, of good and evil, of thy work and 
the attractions of the earth, so that we may never 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 255 

be troubled or afraid when we seem to stand alone 
with thee. Though the voice of the whole world 
threatens and opposes, speak thou to our hearts 
that we may know what thou desirest and stand 
fast upon thy side. Help us to look beyond these 
trying days to the judgments and adjustments of 
thy righteousness. Keep us from wilfulness, but 
encourage us to stand fast, doing thy will as thou 
hast given us to see it. Be thou our hope, and by 
thy confidence in us encourage us to desire and to 
attain some worthy part in the coming of thy 
kingdom and make us at last sharers in the joy of 
thy triumph in the earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

December 1 — For the Day's Work 

On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: 
ye shall say unto them, The Lord bless thee and keep 
thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, 
and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his counte- 
nance upon thee, and give thee peace. So shall they 
put my name upon the children of Israel: and I will 
bless them. — Numb. 6 : 23. 

Gracious art thou, God, and good to all who 
trust in thee. Remember thy lovingkindness 
toward us and in every need uphold us and uplift 
us into courage by the joy and inspiration of thy 
presence. Let thy mercy be our portion ever more 
and grant us strength for the work which thou hast 
given us to do. Let it serve thee for the building of 
thy kingdom and may we rejoice in it with faithful 
hearts. Remember not our transgressions and help 
us to forgive, as we ask to be forgiven. Uphold 



256 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

us in the hour of trial. Give us ever new delight in 
the beauty of thy holiness and new aspirations of 
attainment through thy mercy answering and ful- 
filling an overcoming faith. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

December 2 — The Grace of Cheerfulness 

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery 
trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, 
as though a strange thing happened unto you: but 
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, 
rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may 
rejoice with exceeding joy. — 1 Pet. If. : 12. 

Let us, Lord, by the assistance of thy Hol} r 
Spirit, still push on toward the grace of cheerful- 
ness wherein we would resemble all thy tried and 
victorious saints. Let thy power be made effective 
in relieving us of all gloom and foreboding of 
heart. So shall we praise thee and bear wit- 
ness to thy love and mercy while we walk in fellow- 
ship with Christ, our ever helpful Lord. Let us 
not bring our proud discontent to thee and hope to 
have it prove acceptable in thy sight. Lord, be 
merciful unto us when we are weary and uphold us 
when we are sad, giving us courage for ourselves 
and for all whom thou hast made dependent on us. 
And this we ask that we may help to build thy king- 
dom in the earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

December 3 — An Attentive Heart 

Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye 
mete, it shall be measured unto you; and more shall 
be given unto you. For he that hath, to him shall be 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 257 

given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken 
away even that which he hath. — Mark. 4 -'24- 

My Father, I beseech thee not only for attentive 
ears when thy word is spoken, but also for a listening 
and obedient heart. Let me be a doer of the word 
and not a hearer only, to the peril of my own soul 
and the loss of others whom I might have helped. 
Let me have neither part nor lot in the hypocrisies 
and self-deceits of the world but help me to be up- 
right, void of guile and careful to remember thy 
honor in the earth. O Lover and Pattern of true 
men, in whom no fault at all was found by thine own 
acquaintance nor by the voice of all the years, Jesus, 
son of Mary, Saviour of the world, send forth the 
Holy Spirit as our guide, that we may grow into 
thine image. And let us love and serve thee ever- 
more in all sincerity of heart and deed. Amen. 

December 4 — The Bounds of Truth and Love 

Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law according to the 
scripture. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, 
ye do well. . . . So speak ye, and so do, as men 
that are to be judged by a law of liberty. — James 
2 : 8, 12. 

Thou, who hast set bounds to the floods and to 
the fire, lest the works of man upon the earth be con- 
sumed, help me in the life which thou hast given 
and the work which is of thy appointing, to limit 
and control my thoughts and keep my words within 
the bounds of truth and love. Let not my tongue 
become a fire to scorch and burn, nor any hour of 
spoken anger leave me long regret. Especially, I 
beseech thee, let my thoughts be true and my words 



258 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

both wise and loving in the company of those whom 
thou hast given me as friends and kindred for my 
life on earth. Let me ever walk with them as in 
thy presence, thoughtful of thy work and honor 
and careful of my loyalty to Christ. Guard me, 
Spirit of Love, from the fool's idle laughter and the 
scorner's burning hate. Let me be merry and wise 
and continually joyful in thy gifts of love. So let 
my life bear witness and become through thee a 
blessing in the earth. Amen. 

December 5 — Joy in God 

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and 
come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall 
be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and 
joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. — Is. 
51 :11. 

Giver of all things good, in whom I live, by whom 
I am enabled to accomplish my appointed work 
from day to day, give me above all other joy, I 
pray thee, this — that I may rest and glory in thy 
presence and that my heart may overflow with 
gladness in remembrance of thy love in Christ. 
Thou hast made me in thine own image, let thy joy 
possess my heart. Make me pure and loving, even 
as thou, my God. Be thou my portion. May I not 
forget thee when other hopes decay or friends re- 
move, or wishes fail. Make thy fatherhood real 
and clear to my too often troubled and unfaithful 
heart. In the light of that great joy and of thy 
confidence may I go on to serve thee through cheerful 
and obedient days and find the home at last where 
I shall dwell in joy with thee forevermore. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 259 

December 6 — Thy Kingdom Come 

From that time began Jesus to preach and to say. 
Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. . . . 
And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their 
synagogues and preaching the good tidings of the 
kingdom and healing all manner of disease and all 
manner of sickness among the people. — Matt. 4 : 17. 

Lord, I desire the coming of thy kingdom and the 
doing of thy will on earth with all my heart. Abide 
with me, that by the assistance of thy Holy Spirit 
I may overcome the hindering powers of evil in my 
life. Make me a joyful helper in thy work, a bearer 
of thy light to men in purity of heart and word, by 
faith and zeal, justice and charity, kindness and 
continual cheer. Help me to be always ready with 
my witness to thy love. When I bring my offering 
for thy service, may I remember my brother's need 
and all the blessings of thy presence in my life. 
Come, Spirit of the Living God, Witness and Advo- 
cate! to bless thy church, to make thy people ready 
for the work, to bring in truth and peace and joy 
for men. In the name of Christ. Amen. 



December 7 — The Light of the Soul 

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall 
I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom 
shall I be afraid? . . . One thing have I desired of 
the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell 
in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to 
behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his 
temple. — Psalm 27 : I. 



260 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou, true Light of the morning and the eve- 
ning, shine upon our souls and dispel our darkness. 
When the day dawns, may we awake with thee. 
In work and pleasure go with us that we may refer 
all questions to thy wisdom and know thy rejoicing 
in all that we enjoy. Gird us for toil. Keep us 
from lassitude. Enrich us with patience. Let our 
courage be full of cheer and the light of laughter 
come to rest our minds. When the day is over and 
we turn to rest, afford us some sweet thoughts of 
thy lovingkindness and some lively hopes of over- 
coming by thine aid. Thou who hast prepared the 
rest that remaineth for the people of God, let our 
sleep of the night become a foretaste of that refresh- 
ment and our work a preparation for its joyful 
service. Blessed be Thou by whom we live, in the 
morning and at noon and at eventide, forevermore! 
Amen. 

December 8 — Besetting Sins 

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, 
that ye should obey the lusts thereof: . . . but present 
yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your 
members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are 
not under law, but under grace. — Rom. 6 : 12. 

Help, Lord, with our besetting sins that they may 
no more have dominion over us. Enable us to live 
with such courage and simplicity of faith in the 
intervals of our temptation that we may gather 
strength, by thy power dwelling in us, to resist and 
overcome. So fill our souls with high ideals and 
noble purposes, that there may be no room for evil 
thoughts. Let the enthusiasm of the perfect life 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 261 

with thee lift us above all loose and sensual desires. 
In the remembrance of thy compassion may we 
shun envy, hate and cherished anger. Be master of 
our thoughts, that all our speaking may be pure and 
true and kind. May our overcoming bring thee 
joy, and thy presence be our continual heart's 
delight. When we forget, restrain us, when we fall, 
uplift us; and help us to trust in thy sustaining love. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

December 9 — Temple of God 

Or know ye not that your body is a sanctuary of the 
Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? 
and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a 
price; glorify God therefore in your body. — 1 Cor. 
6 : 19. 

Spirit of the Living God, who dwellest in our 
bodies as in temples made for thee, so purify our 
thoughts and restrain our passions that we may not 
in any wise defile the chosen place of thine abode or 
grieve thee by any thought or word or deed. Thou 
knowest our temptations — guard us that we may 
overcome, and by thy grace transform our weakness 
into strength. Help us to use the powers which 
thou hast given us in joyful self-devotion. Bless 
us in labor that we may do thy will. Refresh us in 
the rest of sleep or change. Maintain our powers 
that we may serve thee faithfully and keep us alike 
from idleness and overwork. Uphold us in sickness 
and infirmity, and may the glory of the resurrection 
of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, shine upon every 
thought of death, that we may wait before thee 
without fear. Amen. 



262 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

December 10 — God-Likeness 

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after 
oar likeness; and let them have dominion over the 
fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and 
over the cattle, and over all the earth. . . . And God 
created man in his own image, in the image of 
God created he him. — Gen. 1 : 26. 

Blessed be Thou, our loving Heavenly Father, 
for the life thou givest us in Christ and for the trust 
thou hast in us, in spite of our poor faith and halting 
love. Make that trust real to us that we may be 
ashamed to sin. Make us through life's experience 
more like thee. Teach us that which is wanting in 
our desire of holiness that we may follow thee in 
wish and thought. May we become true witnesses 
of thy will toward men, of the pure life of thy King- 
dom and the glad assurance of thy presence. Build 
up our faith, increase our joy and multiply our 
service; that thy life may shine through our lives 
for the help of others. Through Christ, our life 
and hope and way. Amen. 



December 11 — The Ready Will 

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 
and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and 
gave himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to 
God.—Eph.5:l. 

When thou callest, our Father, we would obey; 
and where thou leadest we would go, not grudgingly 
or holding back like children disturbed by duty in 
their play, but with love's ready will and confidence 
in thee. Let not our hearts be so at rest in anv 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 263 

present experience that we shall lag behind the move- 
ment of thy purpose for our lives. Thou hast made 
us; Oh, complete in us the purpose of thy loving- 
kindness and use us ever as thou wilt in the progress 
of our age toward good. Help us to learn of thee to 
love our neighbor as ourself, not denying churlishly 
to others that help thou hast given unstintedly to us. 
And fulfil thou in the brotherhood of men the 
ministrant possibilities and better hopes of our own 
lives! In the name of Christ, the elder brother and 
lover of all souls. Amen. 



December 12 — The Leader of Our Lives 

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; let 
thy good Spirit lead me in a plain country of upright- 
ness. Quicken me, Lord, for thy name's sake: in 
thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. — 
Psalm 143 : 10. 

Spirit of the Living God, who convincest us of 
sin, take also of the things of Christ and show them 
unto us that we may truly repent and joyfully 
believe. Let the remembrance of his perfect love, 
his finished sacrifice, his risen glory and his unfailing 
sympathy with all our needs sustain us in every 
mood of self-distrust; and may we find our satisfac- 
tion in his service. Dwell thou in us and make us 
temples purified' and fitted for thy presence. Give 
us pure hearts, glad assurance of faith, peace of 
conscience and unshadowed cheerfulness of expecta- 
tion. Use us for the glory of our Lord in all rela- 
tions with our fellow-men and let the joy of loving 
service be our strength forever more. Amen. 



264 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

December 13 — In Temptation 

Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into 
manifold trials; knowing that the proving of your 
faith worketh steadfastness. And let steadfastness 
have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and 
entire, lacking in nothing. — James 1 : 2. 

God, who hast suffered us to be tried in the 
fierce heat of the world's temptations, grant us thy 
strength for steadfastness of heart that we may en- 
dure to the end in love of thee. Deliver us from 
pride and lust and fear. Cleanse us by fire, if 
needs must be, but make us clean. Show us the 
beauty of thy holiness, that we may seek it with 
desire more earnest and sincere than that which lures 
us on to sin. By thine own love which gave thy 
Son to be the helper and example of our souls, 
defend us and keep us evermore, and teach us to 
bring forth fruit abundantly to thy glory, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

December 14 — Putting Away Malice 

Putting away therefore all malice, and all guile, 
and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speakings, 
as new-born babes, long for the spiritual milk which 
is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salva- 
tion.— 1 Pet. 2 : 1. 

Thou most merciful, who hast made us in thine 
image and called us to attain a likeness to the kind 
and sympathetic thought of our Lord Jesus, arm us 
by the aid and teaching of thy Holy Spirit against 
all cruelties of thought and word and deed. Help 
us to grow in that spirit of brotherly kindness which 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 265 

becomes those who are the children of God and 
builders of his Kingdom in the earth; not envious 
of any, not seeking first our own selfish good ac- 
cording to the dictates of our ignorance, rejoicing in 
the good of others and never glad at their calamity. 
And this we ask of thee, not alone that we may escape 
the punishment of the cruel, but that we may become 
like thyself in mercy and lovingkindness. In the 
name of our merciful and long-suffering Lord and 
Brother Jesus Christ. Amen. 

December 15 — A Prayer for Light 

Remember the word unto thy servant, wherein thou 
hast made me to hope. This is my comfort in my af- 
fliction; for thy word hath quickened me. . . . Thy 
statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrim- 
age. I have remembered thy name, Lord, in the night, 
and I have observed thy law. — Psalm 119 : 49. 

We who lack wisdom cry unto thee, God, for 
the instruction and uplifting of our souls. Give us 
light in our darkness and leading in our perplexity. 
Let thy Holy Spirit be our guide and teacher, ac- 
cording to the word of our Lord Jesus who was a 
little child on earth and learned obedience in our 
school of suffering. thou most liberal giver, the 
Father and the Upholder of our lives, unto thee do 
we give thanks for the bounty which has ever made 
provision for our need. Bring ever to remembrance 
thy word of promise by which we are secure in faith 
and hope, assured of succor in the hour of our dis- 
tress and of joy surpassing grief. Teach us thy way. 
Give us thy work to do. And bring us to thyself in 
peace, through our Forerunner, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



266 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

December 16 — Steadfast Running 

I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as 
not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it 
into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have been 
a herald to others, I myself should be rejected. — 1 Cor. 
9 : 26. 

Father, when I weary of life's contests and the 
joy of victory seems far away, receive and bless me 
when I turn to thee for strength. Help me to run 
the race for which thou hast prepared me with stead- 
fast heart, not anxious, but not negligent, lest fore- 
boding or carelessness should rob me of the victor's 
crown. When life is urgent and joy allures, teach 
me to remember that I am in training for thy work. 
Teach me to govern my body and not be ruled by it, 
to enjoy, but not surfeit with the gifts of earth, to 
keep a steady flame of love to thee and love to men 
alight. Thou strength of my endeavor and joy of. 
my heart, bring me to the goal in thy good time, 
that I may praise thee for all that thou hast taught 
me in the experience of earth. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



December 17 — Free Choice of God 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he 
that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is 
athirst, let him come; he that will, let him take the 
water of life freely . — Rev. 22 : 17. 

I thank thee, Lord, that thou hast made me free 
and wilt not compel or override my will, even for 
righteousness. I bless thee for opportunity of 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 267 

choosing and refusing, and for the self-respect which 
I may build upon the trust which thou hast shown 
toward me. I am thy child, keep me from doubt and 
fear. Let me not stoop to evil, or consent to bring 
a cause of offense into my neighbor's life. Let the 
dignity of my calling lead me to serve my brothers 
of the mortal life for love of thee, my Father. May 
I respect my place and time, my opportunity and 
repose, my body and mind. And guide thou me 
through helpful days. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



December 18 — The Teaching Spirit 

But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit; for 
the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of 
God. For who among men knoweth the things of a man 
save the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so 
the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. — 
1 Cor. 2 : 10. 

Our need and our desire cry out for thee, Spirit 
of the Living God, our Guide, our Advocate, our 
Teacher in the ways of Christ. Come, do thy work 
among us, breaking down our love of sin and bringing 
us to joy of service. Let us so live, by thine indwell- 
ing, that our words and deeds, our quiet faith and 
cheerful thought may witness for our Lord. Speak 
to the hearts of men and meet their hidden need 
with the good news of help and peace. Make our 
homes bright with thy presence and our days glad 
in thy work within us and about us. And give us 
willing and obedient hearts to follow thy com- 
mandments. 



268 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

December 19 — Fervent in Love 

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of 
sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: above all things 
being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love 
cover eth a multitude of sins. — 1 Pet. 4 •' 7. 

Lord, we desire to live with thee in work and lei- 
sure, in perplexities and interruptions, as well as 
quiet hours and intervals of worship. Help us to re- 
member that thou art served by patience and by 
lovingkindness, as well as by our prayers and acts 
of devotion. Keep us from all irritable heats of 
anger and unkind looks or thoughts. When others 
weary us with checks and hindrances, help us to re- 
member thine amazing patience with our childish 
ways. Let not any hasty and unreturning word of 
ours cause an offense, nor let us dream that any plan 
we cherish is more important in thy sight than love 
to others according to thy great commandment. 
And this we ask of thee in the name of Christ who 
gave himself to help and save. Amen. 



December 20 — Cheerful Work 

ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the 
souls of his saints; he deliver eth them out of the hand 
of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and 
gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, 
ye righteous; and give thanks to his holy name. — 
Psalm 97 : 10. 

Help us, our God, to bear true witness of thy love 
in cheerful faith and patient obedience. Thou who 
hast called us children, help us to be joyful always 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 269 

in our Father's house. Let not sin have dominion 
over us, or discouragement rob us of power to 
brighten other lives by our reflected light from thee. 
Let thy work be delight upon the earth, thy presence 
be help for overcoming. We bless thee for the grace 
that saves, the hope that leads us on, the daily strengh 
for daily need, the home of rest which is the goal of 
our earth-pilgrimage. Pardon our sins against thy 
patient love, and so let thy joy possess our hearts 
that we may have continual cheer in gloomy days 
and bear all trials as becometh fellow-workers of the 
sorrowing but triumphant Christ. Amen. 



December 21 — Forefathers' Day 

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about 
with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every 
weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let 
us run with patience the race that is set before us, look- 
ing unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. — 
Heb.l2:l. 

Merciful God, whose works are seen among the 
nations of the earth, we bless thee for the good in- 
heritance of our own land. We thank thee that thou 
didst sustain our fathers on the sea and keep for 
them a safe abode amid the perils of an unknown 
shore. We praise thee for the good example of their 
constant faith. Thou hast made them fathers of a 
multitude and leavened a continent with their 
thought, teach us to follow in the path of their obe- 
dience and to finish the work to which thou hast 
called us in the same spirit of manly faith and pa- 
tience. Leave us not, God of our salvation, lest 



270 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

we prove unworthy of our fathers' hope. Let thy 
presence go with us and with our children while the 
earth remains for labor and reward. Pardon our 
sins according to thy lovingkindness. Enlarge our 
inheritance in strength and righteousness. And be 
our God and Father evermore, for the sake of Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

December 22 — Courage for the Way 

For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived 
by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, 
who worketh for him that waiteth for him. — Is. 
64 :4. 

Grant us, Lord, true courage as we go our way, 
through faith and hope and fellowship of Christ 
and love of thee and of our brother. In the hour 
of our calamity uphold us; in the time of our un- 
certainty, keep us from all coward thoughts of 
withdrawal from that adventure in which we have 
engaged with thee; when panic assails us, help us 
to take refuge in thy love and all the promises it 
offers. Let the day's trial be sufficient for us, that 
we may never borrow trouble. Lord, when we 
seem least of use to our own selves, make us of use 
to others: to the glory of thy name and for the 
building of thy Kingdom. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

December 23 — Serviceable Days 

But Jesus called them unto him and said, ye know 
that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over 
them, and they that are great exercise authority upon 
them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever 
will be great among you, let him be your minister; 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 271 

and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be 
your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be 
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a 
ransom for many. — Matt. 20 : 25. 

Help us, most loving Father, to fulfil thy law of 
love in cheerful and serviceable days. Forgive us 
when we fall short and show us more of thyself; 
that lovingkindness may become our delight. 
Encourage and uphold our hearts in daily faith and 
faithfulness, as those whom thou hast trusted with 
the interests of thy kingdom. Make us of use this 
day in helping others, even at the cost of self- 
refusals and self-denials for love's sake. Let thy 
life become our life, Lord our Redeemer, that it 
may flow through us for the blessing of the world. 
We remember with grateful hearts all who have 
suffered for our sake — apostles, martyrs, the bear- 
ers of burdens, those who have sowed that we might 
reap, those who have endured that we might be 
delivered. For those who have gone before us into 
the heavenly kingdom we give thanks. For those 
who are in the midst of troubles we ask the upholding 
and communion of thy Holy Spirit. In the name of 
Christ. Amen. 

December 24 — Making Ready 

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his 
lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in 
due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord 
when he cometh shall find so doing. — Matt. 24 : 45. 

Lord Jesus, when thou comest I would have a 
ready place for thee. Let not my heart be like the 
inn where there was not a corner for thine entertain- 



272 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

ment, but rather like the simple hearts of the shep- 
herds, to whom was given the angels' song of praise 
and the first vision of thine infancy. Come as thou 
wilt, a child with claim of want, a neighbor asking 
help or patience, a brother in the family of God — 
sick, or naked, or hungry, or in distress, and let me 
not be blind or careless or unloving. Show me thy 
call in every human need, thy coming in all the 
changes of my life. For if thou hadst not come, 
blessed Lord, then were my soul in anguish of dis- 
tress and want. Then the abundance of all lesser 
gifts, the coming of all other guests, could bring no 
cheer. And thine be praise for weakness of thine 
infancy, for glory of thy strength, for the marvel of 
thy cross, the triumph of thy risen power! Amen. 

December 25 — Christmas Day 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of 
the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to 
God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in 
whom he is well pleased. — Luke 2 : 13. 

Grant us this Christmastide, our Father, the 
spirit of little children to give and take in glad re- 
membrance of thy Son, our Lord, who came, a little 
child, to bring us into holy brotherhood. We thank 
thee for the honor thou hast put upon our life 
through him, for the glory of motherhood and the 
high worth of every human soul. Help us to live 
before thee now and ever as thy happy children 
ought, in love and peace and helpfulness, keeping 
the word of thy patience every day, that thy name 
may be honored and thy will may be done in earth 
as it is done in heaven. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 273 

December 26 — In Advent Time 

But thou Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art little to be 
among the families of Judah, out of thee shall one 
come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose 
goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. . . . 
And this man shall be our peace. — Micah 5 : 2. 

Thou by whom good cheer comes to the hearts 
of men, we thank thee for the glad tidings and en- 
larging hopes born of thy gift of the Child Jesus, Son 
of God and Son of Man, and for the happy memories 
of our Advent time. Let all our thoughts be kind and 
all our desires such as thou canst bless. Let there be 
peace in our hearts and good will to every man upon 
the earth. Teach us to discover in our friends and 
neighbors the brothers and sisters of our Lord and 
to rejoice in their prosperity and be ready to help 
them in their need. So bring us Christmas joy from 
thine own love and help us to be lightbearers in the 
dark places of the world. So let us go with singing 
hearts along our way. And to thy name be praise. 
Amen. 

December 27 — Be Ye Also Ready 

For I am already being offered, and the time of my 
departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I 
have finished the course; henceforth there is laid up 
for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the 
righteous judge shall give to me at that day; and not 
only to me, but also to all them that have loved his 
appearing. — 2 Tim. 4 : 6. 

Help us, God our Father, not to be so much in 
love with earth that thy summons to depart shall 



274 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

be a bitter disappointment. Nor let our hearts be 
fixed upon the passions and desires of youth, lest 
age should find us spoiled for calmer pleasures. 
Give us, through years of waning strength, if these 
shall be our portion, the comfort of a cheerful heart 
and quiet trust in thee. Make us a blessing to 
those who are about us, now and evermore, and, 
if it please thee, may we still bring forth fruit in 
old age. Spare us, we beseech thee, lingering dis- 
ease and helplessness and let us not become a bur- 
den to those we love. Sustain us in every depriva- 
tion and through all our losses fill our hearts with 
peace. So may we wait in joyful expectation of the 
better life with Christ. Amen. 



December 28 — Christ in Us 

To whom God was pleased to make known what is 
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the 
Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; 
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teach- 
ing every man in all wisdom, that we may present 
every man perfect in Christ. — Col. 1 : 27. 

Thou great Companion of our loneliness, Saviour 
and Brother of all who believe, go with us where 
we go, upholding and giving strength in every time of 
need. We thank thee for thy gift of pardon, for 
assurance of our Father's wise, unwearying kind- 
ness, for our part in the work of a world where all 
our changes lead toward revelation of the risen life. 
Make us cheerful with a courage learned of thee. 
Open our eyes to see the needs of others, that by 
thy leading we may bring them aid and joy. Thou 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 275 

who art light, enlighten our darkness. Thou who 
bringest peace, overcome our griefs and fears. 
Thou gift of God, enriching beyond measure life 
and thought, make us, we beseech thee, a blessing 
to the world. Be thou our model of what man may 
be, our confidence of overcoming, our pledge of a 
security which cannot change. Amen. 



December 29 — God's Loving Care 

They that trust in the Lord are as mount Zion, 
which cannot be moved , but abideth for ever. As the 
mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is 
round about his people from this time forth and for 
evermore. — Psalm 125 : 1. 

How shall I thank thee, my Father, for the love 
that in thy large and holy plans makes room and 
feels the need for such an one as I? Teach me my 
own true place and work, the measure and the limit 
of my powers. Let me be wise and faithful, glorying 
not in myself but thee; following the example of 
thy Son, our Lord, in lowliness of heart and helpful 
thought for men. So help me to use my gifts for 
others according to the measure of my opportunity, 
in all simplicity of faith and with a quiet mind. 
Keep me from the pride that blinds the heart and 
that concern with self which is a weight upon en- 
deavor. Make humility effective as a gathering and 
directing of my powers for better service, and grant 
me continually the companionship and leading of 
thy Holy Spirit, that I may be a good workman, 
to the honor of thy holy name. Amen. 



276 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

December 30 — The Courage of the Forward 
Look 

Teach me thy way, Lord, and lead me in a plain 
path, because of them that lie in wait for me. . . . 
Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let thy heart take 
courage; yea, wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27 : 11. 

In life or death, Lord, we still desire to walk and 
work with thee. Give us the courage of the forward 
look, the joy of those who make discoveries, the 
expectation of children who find their father's 
knowledge a' continual resource and their father's 
loving care unfailing. So let the airs of heaven 
blow through the mists of earth and scatter them, 
bringing good thoughts into evil days and making 
earth the house of God, the very gate of heaven. 
Fit and prepare our hearts for the revelation that 
awaits us when our task upon the earth is ended and 
the glory of the life with Christ appears. Let there 
be spice of heaven's ripening in the monotony 
of toilsome days. And in thy mercy take away 
from our hearts all troubling and benumbing fear 
of death . In the name of Christ. Amen . 

December 31 — The Ended Year 

And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold I 
make all things new. ... I am the Alpha and the 
Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto 
him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life 
freely. He that overcometh shall inherit these things; 
and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son. — Rev. 
21 : 5. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 277 

All the days of the ended year. Lord, thou hast 
made provision for us and followed us with thy 
considerate care. Now in remembrance that we 
have often failed in our high opportunity we turn 
to thee for pardon and for strength. Help us to 
forget, so far as memory hinders our endeavor, and 
to take courage from the recollection of thy merciful 
kindness in the ended days. Give us the joy of 
going on, in thy companionship and with thy 
strength, to better work; and let the new year be 
glorious with thy light. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



/ 



OBSERVANCES 
OCCASIONS AND EXPERIENCES 



OBSERVANCES 
OCCASIONS AND EXPERIENCES 



Observances 

God our Father, who art everywhere and al- 
ways with thy children, help me especially to use all 
dedicated times and places with a reverent faith 
and hearty love, rejoicing in assurance of thy 
presence and the fellowship of saints on earth. 
In all observance of consecrated days may the as- 
surance of thy love in Jesus Christ be my heart's 
joy. Let his life be my pattern, his teaching my 
meditation, his power and guidance my unfailing 
hope. Let every outward form and spoken word 
aid my devotion and may I wait before thee always 
with a thankful heart. Pardon my sins and help 
me to forgive. Lead me by thy Spirit into perfect 
service and pure communion of the blessed life with 
thee. Let all these outward forms and fixed ob- 
servances be shadows of thy presence. In the name 
of Christ. Amen. 

The Lord's Day 

Teach us to use this day, Lord, in glad remem- 
brance of Christ's rising from the dead and the new 
life which he has given. Let thy presence cheer our 
souls, the teaching of thy Holy Spirit show us our 
own sin and thine availing love revealed in Christ. 
Help us to worship thee in all sincerity of confes- 

281 



282 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

sion, simplicity of faith and joy of thanksgiving. 
Make it a feast day to our souls in happy thoughts of 
thee, in foretaste of the heavenly service and com- 
panionship of saints. Accept our offerings and 
use and bless each effort of ministration for which 
thou givest opportunity. May rest be sweet to 
body, soul and spirit, preparing us for better work 
and higher thought and for the rest that remaineth 
for the people of God. Amen. 



In this, thy day, Lord, make us joyful sharers 
of thy risen life. Make it a feast day to our souls 
by communion of thy Holy Spirit and fellowship of 
saints. Make rest effective for new strength in 
work which thou hast trusted to our care. Give 
rest of heart by faith. Meet with us, according to 
thy word, where even two or three are gathered in 
thy name. Deepen our affections. Incline our 
hearts to works of mercy and of love. Give clearer 
thoughts of thy great purpose and our Heavenly 
Father's care. Go with us where we go, as in the 
fields of Galilee with thy disciples. Help us to make 
glad hours for little children in remembrance of 
thy love. Rejoice us with thy presence all day 
long. Let thanksgiving crown and end the experi- 
ence of our waking hours and give us blessing, ac- 
cording to thy servant's word, in sleep. Amen. 

The Lord's Table 

We thank thee, our Father, for the gift of thy 
Son, who has made us brothers of his work and joy 
and called us to remember his gift of life in sacrificial 
love. Help us to come with glad and reverent 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 283 

hearts to break the bread and pour the cup as he 
commanded. Refresh and nourish our spirits with 
the tokens of that life which was broken and poured 
forth for our need, and bring our hearts into new 
sympathy with his love and purpose. Forgive our 
trespasses and help us to forgive, making us like 
thyself in justice, mercy, truth and love, that we 
may be good witnesses for thee in all our life with 
others. We thank thee for the communion of saints, 
for lives that are dear to us, for hopes that grow 
clearer in life with thee, for all experiences in which 
thou goest with us toward the goal and end of pil- 
grimage. Bless thy church and make it pure and 
strong, unspoiled by the world, unstained by pride 
and selfish greed. And let thy kingdom come! 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

The League of Intercession 

Our Father, who hast brought us together in 
heart with a common hope and purpose in our 
League of Intercession, be with us in our times of 
prayer and in all the moments of our life. Show us 
thy way and something of thy thought for men. 
Let thy blessing come to the world in the coming of 
thy kingdom. Send forth laborers into fields that 
are ripe for the harvest. In our separated places 
we turn to thee with one accord, confident in the 
promise of our Master and our Brother, to ask thy 
blessing for one another. May we all be one in hope 
and faith and lov^ and in the joy of thy presence. 
Forgive and sustain* and enlarge us, that by the 
guidance of thy Holy Spirit, we may be led into 
ways of ministry to others and into the full confi- 
dence of faith, We thank thee for our opportunity 



284 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

of companionship with thee in thy great love and 
high purpose, and for the care and gifts with which 
thou hast followed us all the days of our life. Help 
us to love thee with all our hearts, and to love our 
neighbor as ourselves. And these things we ask 
of thee in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

The Dedication of a Church 

To thee we dedicate this house, God, that it 
may be a place of intercession and communion for 
thy children of the brotherhood of Christ. Accept 
and hallow in thy mercy what our thought has 
planned. Here let good tidings of Christ be preached 
in simplicity and power. Here let thy name be 
honored in the thoughts of our children and our 
children's children. Here may the fellowship of 
all believers be made visible for a witness to the 
world. Here reveal thyself in troubled and desirous 
hearts. Accept thy people's offerings of praise and 
thanksgiving. Let our prayers come before thee: 
and send us a blessing when the bread is broken and 
the cup poured out in memory of Christ. Make us 
joyful in thy presence; steadfast, generous, thought- 
ful of justice, brotherly kindness, and of the witness 
of thy kingdom of good will among all peoples. 
In the name of Christ. Amen. 

For a Wedding 

Most loving Heavenly Father, who of thy mercy 
hast ordained that love and fellowship should crown 
our human lot, grant to these thy children a sense 
of thy continual guidance in their life together. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 285 

Help them to fulfil abundantly the covenant of mar- 
riage into which they have entered in thy presence 
and the presence of these witnesses. Make them a 
help and blessing, each to the other all the days of 
their life and let the world be brighter for their love 
and faith. Give them, our Father, in the home they 
build together, gifts and blessings in the measure of 
their need and thy lovingkindness, fulfilling their 
hearts' desire and teaching them gently the lessons 
of thy school. And this w r e ask in the name of our 
Lord and Brother Jesus Christ. Amen. 

The Home — The Dedication of a House 

For thee and with thine aid, our Father, have we 
built this house that in all the days of our earthly 
life thou mayest abide w^ith us and give us rest. 
Help us to make it a home of thine own peace and 
righteousness, where thou mayest give joy of 
heart. Teach us to use it for service, for ministry 
of kindness and communion of thought. Send 
prosperity if it please thee. Give health and joy 
to all who abide under the shelter of its roof. Let 
our goings-forth be to thy praise and our comings-in 
for our refreshment in thy presence. Let the work 
of our hands, our hospitality, our grief and loss, our 
weariness and pain, study and play, eating and 
drinking, sleep and waking, be for thine honor and 
for our growth toward the completed good that is 
in love to God and man. We remember the absent 
whether they are elsewhere in the earth or dwell at 
rest with thee. Thy blessing be with all we love! 
Thy comfort with the sorrowing! Thy strength 
sufficient for the weak! Father in heaven, we dedi- 
cate to thee this house and all we have that thou 



286 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

mayest build us into a holy habitation fitted for 
thy presence in the house not made with hands. 
Let the answer of thy peace come as our hearts are 
lifted up in praise for all thy goodness and confidence 
in thine abiding love. Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

The Home 

Thou who settest the solitary in families and 
hast consecrated our homes by thy presence, look 
upon us in mercy and hear our prayer for all whom 
thou hast given us. Care for our children with a 
Father's love and knowledge better than our own. 
Guide our thoughts that we may find and teach thy 
truth. Help us to be just and merciful, slow to 
anger and full of loving help, as thou hast ever been 
to us, thy children. May our unworldly lives help 
our children to live above the world. May our 
happy cheerfulness convince them of the joy of 
Christian service. And may no word or deed of 
ours put an occasion of stumbling in their way. 
Bless thou our labors. Provide food sufficient for 
us and all other needed gifts for earthly days. 
And keep us and our beloved in thy presence ever- 
more. Amen. 



Father, thy love is joy of home, pattern of parent- 
hood, our inspiration in all patience and self-giving, 
strength for all our days. Teach us to dwell to- 
gether in a love like thine. Sustain us while we seek 
to make provision for the children thou hast given 
us. Prosper our undertakings, enrich our lives 
with neighborly affections and hospitable hours, 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 287 

forgive our household sins, our individual neglects 
and failures. Let the day's work be carried on in 
faith and gladness, may our evening communion 
be full of happiness, our quiet hours bring rest. 
When we part, go with us in our several ways and 
bring us together again in peace at thy good time. 
Let the memory of our dead be precious and our 
hearts rest in the assurance that they all live to 
thee. Amen. 

Table Prayers 

We thank thee for thy gifts, our Father. Bless 
them to our use, making us glad and strong; and 
keep us ever in thy love and care. 

Grant us, our Father, thy blessing with the food 
thy mercy has provided. Nourish our bodies with 
thy bounty, and feed our souls with bread from 
heaven. 

We thank thee, Father in Heaven, for all thy 
lovingkindness, and for these new gifts of thy care. 
Provide strength for the work to which thou hast 
sent us, and be thou our refreshment and our joy. 

New Year's Day 

Blessed be thou, God our Father, who hast set 
the promise of thy changeless love amid the changes 
of our mortal years! We thank thee that thou hast 
redeemed us and made us heirs with Christ of the 
eternal hope. We glory in the manifested progress 
of thy kingdom and bless thee for the new year's 
opportunity and pledge of growth. May every 
day's experience bring us forward in the path by 



288 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

which thy Holy Spirit guides our feet. With true 
repentance and assurance of thy pardon and thy 
help enable us to face the problems of the future 
with cheerful and obedient hearts. May all 
experiences and trials work together for our good, 
since thou hast loved us and made us sharers of 
thy work. Rid us of unbelief, God, that we may 
have more joy in service. Kindle a flame of love 
and zeal in our weak hearts which shall win others 
to desire of serving thee. And may all events and 
changes fulfill thy purpose for our growth and for 
the coming of thy kingdom. Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



In all the years of our pilgrimage Thou hast sus- 
tained and blessed us, our Father: let the New 
Year bring us new experiences of thy favor and a 
deeper sense of the guidance and companionship of 
thy Spirit. As thou hast given thyself to us, help 
and enable us to give ourselves to thee in joyful 
faith and obedience. Let our best life be that of 
thy presence in our hearts. By the joy of thy com- 
panionship make us strong to overcome and proof 
against the trials and disappointments of our out- 
ward state. Enrich our friendship with the trea- 
sures of thy companionable love. Overcome in us 
our evil thoughts, our hatreds and our doubts, by 
the delights of thy hidden kingdom in our hearts. 
In cheerful living, childlike confidence and faithful 
service may the New Year lead through Christ- 
like days to larger blessing. In the name of Christ, 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 289 

National Prayer for the New Year 

God of all grace, who hast kept our nation's life 
in every time of need, be present still with guiding 
and upholding mercy in the untried problems and 
perplexities of the coming year. Thou hast laid 
great responsibilities upon us; leave us not to the 
folly of pride and self-conceit, but pardon our 
transgressions and neglects, and give us the sober 
confidence that comes of trust in thee. Help us 
so to deal with the peoples for whom, before thee 
and the nations of the earth, we have assumed 
responsibility, that they and we may dwell in peace 
and strength and learn thy righteousness. Raise 
up men who shall govern in thy fear and with un- 
faltering justice. Grant to thy servant, the Presi- 
dent, and to Congress, all needed wisdom to choose 
and to decide. Maintain or bring back peace within 
our borders and among the nations of the world, 
and may all changes and overturnings be for the 
uplifting of the people, and the speedy coming of 
thy kingdom in the earth. And unto thee, 
Lord of Hosts, be glory evermore. Amen. 

The Beginning of Lent 

When thou callest, our Father, give us readiness 
of heart to answer and obey. If we have gone far 
astray from thee, even through lawless living, to the 
fields of hunger and of loneliness, awaken memories 
of our forsaken home and turn our hearts to thee. 
We thank thee that thou hast made the great 
beginning and that our affection is but an answer to 
thy love. We bless thee that thou dost not love us 
in the measure of our good but because we are thy 



290 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

children. So let all doubt and despair be far from 
us as we listen for thy call. Give us more and more 
to hunger for the bread of life which Christ alone 
can give, and to thirst for water from the living 
fountains. Blessed be thou who biddest the hungry 
and the thirsty come! With eager and expectant 
hearts we turn to thee. satisfy us with the bounty 
of thy house and let thy goodness lead us. Amen. 



LITTLE PRAYERS FOR HOLY WEEK 

Palm Sunday 

thou, true Lord and Leader, who didst come 
in lowliness unto thine own and thine own received 
thee not, so give us power, by the indwelling of the 
Holy Spirit, to turn from sin and welcome thee, that 
thou mayest henceforth reign in us and make us like 
thyself in purity and love. Amen. 

Monday in Holy Week 

Cleanse our hearts, thou Son of Man, that they 
may be fit temples for the presence of our God. 
Help us to bring forth fruit to thy glory and spare 
us in the day of thy judgment, for thy name's sake. 
Amen. 

Tuesday in Holy Week 

thou who art more wonderful than all the 
works and arts of man, help us to find the true 
proportion of our lives and, by thy help, to lay hold 
on the eterna] things, that we may serve thee in 
thy kingdom with faithful love toward men in deed 
as well as word. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 291 

Wednesday in Holy Week 

Lord Jesus, who didst turn for refuge and repose 
to the home in Bethany and lovest ever to be with 
thy friends, come to our homes and prepare our 
hearts in quiet hours and glad companionships for 
scenes of effort, for trial and the hour of death. 
Amen. 

Thursday in Holy Week 

Come, as of old, Lord Jesus, as we remember thy 
broken body and thy poured-out life in the Supper 
thou hast ordained for us. Strengthen our hearts 
by that holy bread, that we may serve each other in 
humility, as thou hast given us an example. Cleanse 
our hearts of all forebodings and sustain us in all 
agony of loss as we go in the way thou hast appointed 
for us. Amen. 

Good Friday 

Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, 
have mercy upon us! By thy cross and passion, 
make our hearts warm with grateful love, keep us 
from all withdrawal or betrayal and by thy finished 
work crown us with joy and make our thoughts 
overflow in thanksgiving. For thou art our peace 
and strength henceforth and forevermore. Amen. 

Saturday in Holy Week 

Lord, open our eyes to see that thou art near in 
the time of our discouragement and the agony of our 
suspense and dread. Take away our fear of death, 
since thou hast met and overcome its power and 
set our hearts at rest in thee. Amen. 



292 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Easter 

Our Risen Lord, Friend and Brother of our life 
henceforth, thou whom the light hides, and not the 
darkness, help us to rejoice forevermore in thee and 
live to thee in simplicity of faith and joy of love. 
Reveal thyself more and more to our weak and 
desirous hearts and to the whole company of thy 
disciples, making us one in thee. Amen. 

Good Friday 

Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake hast willingly 
endured the cross that we might live with thee, help 
us to look with awed and reverent hearts upon the 
mystery of thy passion. By the sorrows of thine 
earthly life — the agony in Gethsemane, the be- 
trayal and forsaking, the lingering anguish of the 
cross — have mercy on us in our trials and tempta- 
tions, and help us with true repentance and humility 
to forsake our sin and follow thee in singleness of 
heart and glad obedience. Lamb of God, who 
takest away the sin of the world, grant us thy pardon 
and thy peace. Upon thee our stripes were laid. 
By thine obedience unto death the way of life was 
opened to our feet. Cleanse us of self-love that we 
may serve thee with entire devotion, and may our 
lives bear witness to thy love through all our years. 
Amen. 

Easter 

Blessed be thou, God ! who hast raised up our 
Lord Jesus from the dead that he might be the first 
fruits of them that are asleep. We bless thee for 
his service of humiliation, his atoning death, his 
glorious resurrection and his continuing life. For 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 293 

his sake pardon our transgressions and shortcom- 
ings and enable us so to use this world of passion and 
temptation that we may win the victory of faith. 
Teach us to live as heirs of the inheritance Christ's 
death has purchased, and to die as those who follow 
without fear the path of him who conquered death. 
Out of the experience of thy love we praise thee. 
With the innumerable company of the redeemed in 
heaven and earth we worship the Lamb slain from 
the foundation of the world, who died and rose again 
and lives in an immortal life. Glory be to thee, 
Christ! in heaven and earth forevermore. Amen. 



Out of the shadow of earth's sin and death we lift 
our hearts in praise to thee, God, for the glad 
tidings of the risen Christ. Blessed be thou who 
hast given thy best beloved for the redemption of 
the world! We thank thee that into our darkness 
thou hast sent thy light — the light of everlasting 
love in the face of Jesus Christ. So guide our 
hearts and minds by the indwelling of thy Spirit that 
we may henceforth reckon ourselves to be dead to 
sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Make every day of earth's experience a step 
toward the eternal hope. Lighten every sorrow 
by comfort of thy presence and assurance of the 
unchanging purpose of thy love. In place of rest- 
less cravings, unsatisfied ambitions, jealous fears, 
comfort our hearts with thine unchanging peace. 
Give steadfast confidence in trial, cheerful thoughts 
in gloomy days, the joy of pardoned sin, the victory 
of faith which overcomes the world, that we may do 
our part in service to our fellow-men with patient 



294 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

ministry of lovingkindness. And to our risen and 
ascended Lord, whose presence is the joy of there- 
deemed in heaven and earth, be glory evermore. 
Amen. 



Children's Sunday. — A Prayer for Children 

By the memory of thine own childhood and the 
loving favor thou didst show to little children 
when they were brought to thee; have mercy, Lord, 
upon the children of our time. Let not their inno- 
cence give place to love of sin, or to forgetfulness of 
thee. Keep their thoughts pure. Let not simple 
trust die out of their hearts, or a disloyal worldliness 
possess them. Lead them through the trials of 
this present life, give them the victory over tempta- 
tion, and bring them to thyself at last in peace. 
For all parents and teachers, for the bereaved from 
whom thou hast taken little ones, for the lonely and 
childless of the earth, we come to thee. Help of the 
weak, thou loving teacher of the sons of men, give 
us grace so to live before thee that our example may 
be helpful to the children who come after us, and 
that we may be thine forever. Amen. 

Pentecost 

Spirit of God, our Helper in all the troubles and 
perplexities of life, our Comforter, our Guide, 
Interpreter and Opener of the Word, come with 
power to turn the hearts of the people from the love 
of the world to the love of purity and good will, 
from the service of their own weak desires to the 
work of the Kingdom of God. Raise up witnesses. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 295 

Give courage and persuasion to all ministers and 
teachers. Reveal Christ to the hearts of men, 
kindling a loving devotion and a deep and lasting 
joy of communion which shall make the whole world 
bright. Use all changes in the affairs of the world 
for the uplifting of the hearts of men and bring the 
world to an abiding peace in thy good time. In the 
name of Christ. Amen. 



Independence Day 

God of our Fathers, who hast kept our Nation's 
life through peril of its youth and trial of its man- 
hood, we remember before thee with heartfelt 
thanksgiving the blessings that have crowned our 
lengthening history. For the courage and foresight 
of those who left their homes and friends to cross the 
sea; for the steadfast endurance of those who made 
their homes in the wilderness and those who fought 
to win our liberty; for the wise counsel of those who 
shaped our laws; for deliverance in wars and growth 
in years of peace; for our high place of influence and 
opportunity among the nations of the earth; for 
memories that are glorious and hopes that rest upon 
thy favor; we bring thee joyful praise. Give 
strength and good understanding to thy servant, 
the President, and to all who by our choosing are 
set in authority over us, and make them willing 
followers of thy commandments and servants of 
the people's need. Guide our hearts and minds, 
that we may not be tempted to offend against thee 
in pride or selfishness, and leave us not to our own 
thoughts and ways in any hour of triumph or of 
trial. In the name of Christ, Amen. 



296 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Thanksgiving 

Lord, our God, who hast blessed our fathers, 
and mercifully continued thy lovingkindness unto 
us, we bring thee heartfelt praise and thanksgiving 
in remembrance of all thy goodness. Thou hast 
given us thy Holy Word and the promise of eternal 
life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thou hast 
made for us a place of power among the nations. 
The joys and sorrows of our homes have been 
sanctified by thy presence. Blessed be thou who 
hast dealt bountifully with us and preserved us 
in joyful prosperity to see this day of praise! Pardon 
our sins and awaken in us high purposes of love and 
duty. Guard us, if it please thee, in peril from 
without and from within. In joyful obedience to 
thy law of righteousness, make us thine instruments 
of service among the nations, and abide our God and 
Father evermore. Amen. 

* * * 

God of our fathers, whose mercies have not failed 
us in any time of need, accept now the tribute of our 
hearts' thanksgiving for thy guardian love and care. 
For plenteous harvests gathered in our fields; for 
the increase of our flocks and the fruits of our 
orchards; for joy and comfort in our homes and all 
kindly social relations; for blessings innumerable 
which have crowned the year with good; for hopes 
of the future and sacred memories of the past; for 
the light of thy Word and the teaching of thy Holy 
Spirit — blessed be thou, Lord our God! Let 
the thoughts and affections of this day lead us 
through childlike faith. to larger light and knowledge 
of thy will. Hear us, our Father, for thine own 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 297 

love's sake and, if it please thee, renew our blessings 
year by year And unto thee be praise evermore. 
Amen. 



Come Lord, as Giver and most welcome Guest 
to our Thanksgiving feast! Make gladness and 
gratitude abound in our hearts and homes, and still 
the voice of complaint and discontent. We thank 
thee that thou hast crowned the year with thy good- 
ness and bestowed innumerable blessings upon us. 
For all thy tender mercies we praise thee : but most 
of all for the unspeakable Gift by whose life and 
death we are brought near to thee, and for the Holy 
Spirit's presence in our hearts. We bless thee for 
the communion of saints, for the written Word and 
for opportunities of sendee. Thou hast made our 
human affections interpreters of thine own love; 
help us to make the most of them in sympathy and 
patience. Thou hast enriched our nation with 
great lives and large prosperity; abide thou in our 
midst for righteousness. Bless every soul with 
growing strength of faith, that we may serve thee 
gladly here and in the dwelling-place of our eternal 
life. Amen. 



Forefathers' Day 

Merciful God, whose works are seen among the 
nations of the earth, we thank thee for the good 
inheritance of our own land. We bless thee that 
thou didst sustain our fathers on the sea and keep 
for them a safe abode amid the perils of an unknown 
shore. We praise thee for the good example of their 



298 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

constant faith. Thou who hast made them a 
multitude and leavened a continent with their 
thought, teach us. to follow in the path of their 
obedience and to carry forward the work to which 
thou hast called us in the same spirit of manly 
faith and patience. Leave us not, God of our 
salvation, lest we prove unworthy of our fathers' 
hope. Let thy presence go with us, and with our 
children while the earth remains for labor and for 
reward. Pardon our sins according to thy loving- 
kindness revealed in Jesus Christ, our Lord. En- 
large our inheritance through faith and righteous- 
ness. And be thou our God and Father evermore. 
Amen. 

Christmas 

God our Father, Giver of the most loving 
Gift, make us partakers of thy joy at Christmas 
time. We, too, with simple shepherds and the wise 
men come to bend the knee before the kingly Child, 
bringing our gifts of faith and love in true self- 
offering. Show us our way of service and give us 
willing hearts to walk therein. For motherhood and 
childhood, for love that gives and learns we bring 
thee thanks. Have mercy upon wives and mothers 
in distress and children fatherless. Hasten the 
coming of thy Kingdom! Bring an end of war and 
give the shaping of the world to men of good will. 
Teach our hearts how to make ready for that age of 
peace. In the name of Christ, who loved us and 
gave himself for us. Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 299 

Thou by whom good cheer comes to the hearts 
of men, we thank thee for thy gift of the Child Jesus, 
our brother in the life of earth, the Son of God and 
Son of Man; and for all the happy memories of 
Christmas time. Let all our thoughts be kind and 
all our hopes such as thou canst bless. Let there 
be peace in our hearts and good will toward all. 
Teach us to find in friends and neighbors the brothers 
and sisters of our Lord, to rejoice in their prosperity, 
and help them in their time of need. So bring us 
Christmas joy, and help us to be light-bearers in 
the darkness of the world. So let us go with singing 
hearts along our way, and to thy name be praise. 
Amen. 

In Illness 

Thou hast been my confidence in health, God, 
forsake me not now that my strength faileth. 
Though my heart is faint by reason of the weakness 
of the flesh, and mine eyes are dim with shadows of 
pain: yet in thee do I put my trust. Send healing, 
if it please thee, and may I use returning strength 
for better service. Let not courage fail in suffering 
and in hours of weakness keep my heart from doubt. 
Let me bear witness to thy love by cheerful patience. 
Take away all fear of death and let me with a quiet 
heart resign myself entirely to thy will. Care thou 
for those I love and reward all who minister to my 
comfort and my need. Help me to forgive those 
who have sinned against me and pardon thou my 
transgressions. In the name of Jesus Christ who 
shared our infirmities and suffered for our sins. 
Amen. 



300 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

For Grace in Old Age 

God, our Heavenly Father, whose gift is 
length of days, help us to make the noblest use of 
mind and body in our advancing years. According 
to our strength apportion thou our work. As thou 
hast pardoned our transgressions, sift the ingather- 
ings of our memory that evil may grow dim and good 
may shine forth clearly. We bless thee for thy 
gifts and especially for thy presence and the love of 
friends in heaven and earth. Grant us new ties of 
friendship, new opportunities of service, joy in the 
growth and happiness of children, sympathy with 
those who bear the burdens of the world, clear 
thought and quiet faith. Teach us to bear infirmi- 
ties with cheerful patience. Keep us from narrow 
pride in outgrown ways, blind eyes that will not 
see the good of change, impatient judgments of the 
methods and experiments of others. Let thy peace 
rule our spirits through all the trial of our waning 
powers. Take from us all fear of death, and all 
despair or undue love of life; that with glad hearts 
at rest in thee we may await thy will concerning us, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Public Meetings and Conventions 

Fulfill, Lord, thine own desire that thy children 
should be one in faith and hope and love. Let 
their witness to the world be clear in brotherly 
affection and helpful fellowship of service. When 
they come together in thy name to consider op- 
portunities of work for thee, let the teaching of the 
Holy Spirit be their guide. Enlighten their minds 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 301 

and purify their hearts, that misunderstandings, 
jealousies and dislikes may give place to joy in the 
common work and calling of the Holy Church of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Especially, we beseech thee, 
enrich with blessing this gathering of thy servants. 
Crown their work with success and let thy wisdom 
appear in their deliberations, to the glory of thy 
Holy Name. Amen. 



Great Head of the universal church, whose 
presence is our joy and crown and whose Spirit 
guides us onward into truth, we bless thee for the 
loving fellowship, uplifting thought and helpful 
opportunities of these days of counsel and fraternal 
joy. Blessed be thou, who hast put it into the 
hearts of thy servants to speak good words and hast 
enabled multitudes to hear and profit. We thank 
thee that in our meeting thou hast also come as 
guest and friend. May the blessing of thy presence 
work for truth and righteousness in this community. 
So guide our hearts that the good seed may spring 
up and bring forth fruit to thy glory; so guard our 
minds that no misunderstanding or false view of 
truth may lead us from the way. Enable us in our 
home-going to share the good which thou hast sent 
with those who in our absence have carried burdens 
for us, or been busy in the quiet work of every day 
for thee. Give us fresh strength for duty, simpler 
faith and an enlarging hope. Thou art our King, 
Christ, and all is of thee in teaching and in life. 
Bless abundantly thy churches. Help them to 
bear true witness to thy name and to manifest thy 
glory in the life of faith. Amen . 



302 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

For the President 

God, in whose hands are the hearts of all the 
rulers of the earth, give grace, we beseech thee, to 
thy servant the President [elect] of these United 
States, that he may always do thy will in righteous- 
ness. Let the thoughts of his heart be acceptable 
in thy sight, and all his choices and decisions as 
chief magistrate serve thy glory and the nation's 
strength. Give him health, clear vision, steady 
purpose, courage of will; and in thy lovingkindness 
use his work for prosperity. Give wisdom to his 
counsellors. Keep from us, if it please thee, famine, 
plague, and war, with all wickedness and civil 
strife. Preserve among the people reverence for 
law and cheerful obedience to all rightful authority. 
Guide us, our fathers' God! that we may hand down 
our inheritance of liberty and power unmarred by 
folly to our children. And thine shall be the praise. 
Amen. 

In Time of War 

God, in whom our fathers trusted, be with us 
in our time of trial and our new endeavor to rebuild 
the world in righteousness. Let not sorrow or 
excitement teach our hearts to hate or turn us from 
ideals of love and brotherhood learned in companion- 
ship with Christ. Make us steadfast, patient, un- 
changeable in purpose and in hope. Lord, in thy 
mercy shorten the days! but bring about through 
sacrifice freedom and righteousness and a final end 
of cruelty and war. Remember the sorrowing. 
Strengthen our hearts as we send forth those we love 
and sustain us in all experience of grief and loss. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 303 

Teach thy Church what thou intendest in this time 
of change and make thy people a leaven of faith 
and love in all the earth. Remember thy servant, 
our President, and those who counsel with him, 
the makers of laws, the leaders of our armies. Be 
with us as we serve the nation's need in home and 
farm and factory; with sailors in perils of the deep, 
with soldiers in training and temptation and in the 
day of battle; with doctors and nurses in all their 
ministry to suffering. Give us, if it please thee, 
bountiful harvests, that we may eat with thankful 
hearts and feed the hungry of the world. Deepen 
the faith of Christians in new experience with thee. 
In all thou sendest let thy kingdom come — in the 
life of nations, in the hearts of men, through a new 
brotherhood of all believers, through the glory and 
rule of Christ. In his name. Amen. 



Lord of Hosts, in whose hands are all the coun- 
sels and events of earth, in this hour of our nation's 
trial we appeal to thee. In war and battle may we 
always be the instruments of thy judgment and thy 
righteousness. Grant us deliverance from disaster, 
and, if it please thee, glorious and enduring victory. 
Bless especially with grace and wisdom thy servant, 
the President of the United States, the commander 
of our armies. Preserve our ships upon the sea 
and our soldiers on the shore. Purify our nation's 
life that we may be more worthy of thy favor. Keep 
our hearts from pride and cruelty and our lips from 
boasting. Let us not go forth to battle as those who 
are greedy of gain or honor, not in hatred or in 
love of strife, but in desire of justice and as helpers 



304 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

of the weak. In all experiences through which 
thou makest us to pass may the assurance of thy 
rule in the affairs of men be our confidence and 
consolation. Remember the wounded and the sick 
and those who are appointed to die, and make them 
sharers of thy kingdom. Strengthen us for all 
endurance, and especially sustain and comfort those 
who mourn for the dead. Deny us not thy swift 
decision, in mercy both to us and to our enemies. 
And may the coming of thy kingdom bring all 
cruelties and jealousies, all strife and hatred, to a 
speedy and eternal end, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord ! Amen. 

In Times of Change 

Give us, Lord, a forward-looking faith that we 
may never be disheartened by changes and over- 
turnings in the earth. Amid wars and tumults, 
make us confident in the triumph of thy purpose 
and the coming of thy peace. Deliver the nations, 
we beseech thee, from hate and cruelty and from the 
sufferings of war. Have pity upon thy children, 
who are so ready and so quick to kill and rob one 
another. Show us the evil of our hearts and make 
us in love with neighborliness. Lord, how long 
shall nation rise against nation and hatred rule! 
Work a great deliverance and bring in Christ's 
reign of peace. Teach us, also, we entreat thee, to 
be strong in the midst of these shifting and destroy- 
ing currents of the age, confident in thy control and 
patient to endure until thy will is clear. So to thy 
care we commit the future years, with quiet hearts, 
in faith and confidence. In the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 305 

Soldiers' Prayers 

For the Nation and the World 

Remember, my Father, the nation that I love, 
in whose cause I have given myself for life or death. 
I thank thee for those who have gone before me in 
this service, by whose faith and steadfast courage 
the nation hitherto has been made strong. Give 
me like faith and strength and let my name be writ- 
ten in remembrance before thee. Make all the 
people faithful in that which they have undertaken 
in thy service for the need of the world. Remember 
with guidance and upholding thy servant the Presi- 
dent, and all who work and counsel with him; the 
leaders of our armies; and all who work and serve 
on land or sea. Accomplish thou that purpose to 
which we have set our hands in thy name; and 
bring us peace in thy time, Lord. Rebuild our 
world in righteousness, knitting new ties of brother- 
hood, fulfilling ancient hopes in the coming of thy 
kingdom. In the name of Christ, the righteous 
judge, lover and brother of us all. Amen. 

Before Going into Action 

Father in heaven, long-suffering and compas- 
sionate, God of Justice, Lord of Hosts, I give my 
life into thy hands, a weapon for thy using. Let it 
not be thrown away, with all its hopes and loves and 
opportunities, but take it as an offering for thy 
purposes of justice and brotherhood on earth. 
Guide the thoughts of those who plan the battle. 
Remember my comrades of the ranks. Keep us 
and arm us with steadfast and adventurous hearts 
and, if it please thee, give us the victory we desire. 



306 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

Remember in lovingkindness all whom I love, up- 
holding and delivering them; and bring us together 
at last, whether through life or death. Into thy 
hands I commit my spirit. Thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven, thy kingdom come. In the 
name of Christ, who gave himself up for our de- 
liverance, even unto death. Amen. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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